Wish Upon A Star
This review may contain spoilers
I'm late but glad that i did not miss this gem
I started watching this drama recently thinking it was recommended by a fellow MDL mate, but just couldn’t trace back who recommended to convey thanks, as this is a gem that I would have otherwise missed.
Story: The story is multi-dimensional – [mysterious background of the protagonist] x [demolishing slavery] x [spies & intelligence] x [political scheming and war fighting between states] x ["mulan" style female general] – and thus little dull, filler moments. Lots of majestic stunt scenes in martial fights, spy training, navigating secret caverns with booby traps and war fighting/city gate defending. The cinematography and costumes are also commendable, though the CGI can certainly be better.
Cast/Acting: This is my first drama starring Zhao Li Ying and she is deserving of her stardom. Sadly though, there is lack of character growth for the protagonist she played. And for the ML Yu Wen Yue, I only got a strong Nirvana in Fire (2015) Lin Shu/Mei Chang Shu aura/vibe – from the dressing, hairdo to being afraid of cold. The characters that really wowed me are the second ML and FL. Shawn Dou aced the portrayal of Yan Xun, making him the drama’s antagonist many hate to love, and secretly wishing he will turn good by the end of this series, and then hopefully again in the grand finale (in Season 2 if it ever happens). This is also my first drama starring Shawn Dou and I will be looking out for his other dramas. Li Qin surprised me too – she did not impress at all as the FL Chicken Drumstick Lady in Joy of Life (2019) which i watched last year.
What can be improved: While there is attention to details such as using ancient Chinese handwriting style in letters / edict in the drama, I really cannot understand why the dyed hair for the two leads.
Add-ons: Did you notice how the commercials blended into the drama, that you only realized those were commercials after 5-10 seconds into the drama? Two very good examples are in episode 56 of 58.
Costume cdrama cliches?
1. Calling FL as “奇女子” (extraordinary woman): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013), then in The Long Ballad (2021), then in this drama.
2. Naming kids as “平安” (Peace): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013) (Prince of Lan Ling’s son is named “Ping An”), then in this drama.
Story: The story is multi-dimensional – [mysterious background of the protagonist] x [demolishing slavery] x [spies & intelligence] x [political scheming and war fighting between states] x ["mulan" style female general] – and thus little dull, filler moments. Lots of majestic stunt scenes in martial fights, spy training, navigating secret caverns with booby traps and war fighting/city gate defending. The cinematography and costumes are also commendable, though the CGI can certainly be better.
Cast/Acting: This is my first drama starring Zhao Li Ying and she is deserving of her stardom. Sadly though, there is lack of character growth for the protagonist she played. And for the ML Yu Wen Yue, I only got a strong Nirvana in Fire (2015) Lin Shu/Mei Chang Shu aura/vibe – from the dressing, hairdo to being afraid of cold. The characters that really wowed me are the second ML and FL. Shawn Dou aced the portrayal of Yan Xun, making him the drama’s antagonist many hate to love, and secretly wishing he will turn good by the end of this series, and then hopefully again in the grand finale (in Season 2 if it ever happens). This is also my first drama starring Shawn Dou and I will be looking out for his other dramas. Li Qin surprised me too – she did not impress at all as the FL Chicken Drumstick Lady in Joy of Life (2019) which i watched last year.
What can be improved: While there is attention to details such as using ancient Chinese handwriting style in letters / edict in the drama, I really cannot understand why the dyed hair for the two leads.
Add-ons: Did you notice how the commercials blended into the drama, that you only realized those were commercials after 5-10 seconds into the drama? Two very good examples are in episode 56 of 58.
Costume cdrama cliches?
1. Calling FL as “奇女子” (extraordinary woman): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013), then in The Long Ballad (2021), then in this drama.
2. Naming kids as “平安” (Peace): First saw in Prince of Lan Ling (2013) (Prince of Lan Ling’s son is named “Ping An”), then in this drama.
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