This review may contain spoilers
A Mature, Grounded Story of Growth, Work, and Quiet Love
This drama is essentially a slice of life business romance where characters actually act their age, and that already sets it apart from a lot of shows in the same genre. It is very much character-driven and female-centered, focusing on personal growth, career struggles, and emotional maturity rather than just romance. If you go into it expecting intense love story moments from the start, it might feel slow. But if you stay with it, it slowly unfolds into something much deeper and more rewarding.One of the things that sets TRL apart from other noona romances is the way the leads are written. Almost every other noona romance qualifies the romance between the leads by making the woman super immature. I love that this drama doesn't do that: Qi Xiao behaves pretty much like a mature 20-year-old, while Shen Ruoxin behaves like a 32-year-old, independent career woman. Though we see both of them act a little childish at times, they still carry themselves in a way that fits their age, and that alone makes their relationship feel grounded and believable.
At the center of everything is Shen Ruoxin, and honestly, she carries the drama effortlessly. She is calm, rational, and incredibly self-aware. What I loved most about her is her ability to set boundaries. Whether it’s in the workplace or in her personal life, she knows her worth and doesn’t let people cross certain lines. Her journey is not about finding love, it is about surviving and thriving in a corporate world that constantly undermines her because of her age and gender. The drama does a great job highlighting how women are judged at every stage of life, whether they are single, married, or trying to balance both. And yet, Ruoxin never loses herself. Even when she gets pushed down, she adapts, learns, and rises again on her own terms.
Qi Xiao complements her character beautifully. He is younger, but never written as immature or naive. Instead, he is emotionally intelligent, respectful, and quietly strong. His admiration for Ruoxin comes first, and that naturally evolves into love. What makes him stand out is his consistency. He doesn’t play games, doesn’t create unnecessary drama, and doesn’t try to overpower her. He supports her in a way that feels equal, not dominating. Their relationship is built on understanding rather than dependency, which is rare to see.
The romance itself is a slow burn, but it works perfectly for this story. It develops through small, meaningful moments rather than grand gestures. There is mutual respect, emotional safety, and a sense of partnership that grows over time. The age gap is acknowledged but never exaggerated. It becomes just one aspect of their relationship rather than the defining conflict. Even the presence of a second male lead does not turn into a toxic triangle. Instead, it adds another perspective on love and compatibility.
Xu Mingjie, the second male lead, is a great example of that. He represents stability and logic, someone who seems like the “right choice” on paper. But the drama makes it clear that emotional connection cannot be replaced by practicality. His character is handled with maturity, especially in how he deals with rejection, which was honestly refreshing to watch.
The side characters and parallel storylines add a lot of depth to the overall narrative. Song Ziyan’s arc, in particular, stands out. Her life as a housewife highlights a completely different set of struggles. While Ruoxin faces challenges in the workplace, Ziyan deals with losing her sense of identity within marriage. Their contrasting journeys show that no path is easier, just different. The younger couple, Su Yang and Sijia, bring in another perspective, focusing on financial struggles and the uncertainty of early adulthood. These layered relationships make the world feel real and lived-in.
The parental dynamics also deserve appreciation. Ruoxin’s mother represents traditional expectations and societal pressure, while Qi Xiao’s mother brings warmth and understanding. Watching that contrast, and the gradual growth that comes from it, adds emotional depth without feeling forced.
One of the strongest aspects of the drama is how it portrays workplace reality. Office politics, favoritism, age discrimination, and gender bias are all shown in a very grounded way. It doesn’t feel exaggerated or overly dramatic. Instead, it reflects situations that feel frustratingly real. At times, it even turns corporate conflicts into something genuinely engaging, where you find yourself invested in strategy, power shifts, and small victories.
The pacing is definitely on the slower side, but it suits the story. The drama takes its time to build characters and relationships, allowing everything to develop naturally. It may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer fast-paced storytelling, but for those who enjoy character-driven narratives, it is very rewarding.
There are also a few moments that really stayed with me. The confession and getting-together scene was one of my favorites. It was so simple, yet so meaningful. The way the “door” between them was visually removed felt symbolic, almost poetic. It wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it said everything about their emotional distance finally disappearing.
Another moment that hit close to home was when Ruoxin’s mother went to her friend’s husband, reminded him of his promises, and encouraged reconciliation. It felt very rooted in our culture, where elders step in not just to interfere, but to guide and preserve relationships. It may not always resolve everything, but it offers perspective, and sometimes that’s enough to start healing. That scene felt warm, familiar, and deeply relatable.
And then there’s Ruoxin’s mother herself. She can feel overbearing and even toxic at times, but she also has a sharp understanding of people. The way she judged Ruoxin’s potential partners was surprisingly accurate. It made me reflect on how, despite conflicts with our parents, there is a certain wisdom that comes from their life experience. You may not always agree with them, but you can’t completely dismiss their perspective either.
This drama really stands out in how it handles real-life issues:
Age discrimination in the workplace
Gender bias and expectations from women
Marriage vs career pressure
Office politics and favoritism
It does not feel preachy, but it makes you think. It shows how society defines success differently for men and women, and how hard it is to break those expectations.
Overall, this is a calm, mature, and quietly powerful drama. It doesn’t rely on heavy drama or exaggerated romance to keep you hooked. Instead, it focuses on growth, relationships, and the realities of life. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, not because of big moments, but because of how real and relatable it feels.
Who should watch this?
If you enjoy slow-paced, character-driven stories with mature relationships and realistic themes, this is definitely for you. If you like dramas that focus on personal growth, career struggles, and emotional depth rather than just romance, you will probably appreciate this a lot.
Who might want to avoid it?
If you are looking for fast-paced storytelling, heavy romance, or dramatic twists, this might not work for you. The pacing can feel slow, especially in the beginning, and the romance takes its time to fully develop.
Final thoughts
This is not the kind of drama that tries to impress you instantly. It grows on you slowly. It’s calm, reflective, and quietly impactful. The kind of story you don’t rush through, but rather sit with and appreciate over time.
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This review may contain spoilers
After watching the drama twice, I can finally give my honest review:First, let’s talk about the story. It’s simple but effective: a broken heart, mysterious visions, the relationship between her and Ho-Jin, and in parallel, the tension and confusion created by Do Ra-Mi and Ho-Jin. I also loved the hilarious dynamic with Hiro, especially since he has no idea about Mu-hee’s double personality and the language barrier between them (he’s Japanese and she’s Korean). I really got hooked on the theme of the story, even if it could have been improved in some ways.
The OSTs are just amazing. They’re perfectly placed and so touching. Seriously, well done!
As for the characters, I think they all have great chemistry together funny moments, tension, romance… I loved their acting. I already knew most of the actors from their other series and movies, so I wasn’t surprised by the quality they delivered.
In short, I recommend it!
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Cheesy slice-of-life drama that dragged relentlessly
Let me just preface, this drama had all the tropes I absolutely hate. Girl falls in love first, HARDER, and chases relentlessly after the cold guy? Slice-of-life story that follows a tight-knit group of friends that faced no actual problems in life? Yeah, not my cup of tea.Don't get me wrong, this drama is incredibly adorable. The leads and the friend group are the epitome of youth so it was nostalgic to watch their transition to college and workplace. Through their entire journey, they faced such minor problems. This is a good drama to put on as background noise because nothing really happens. They just go through the motions of life and are happy to bask in each other's love and friendship and laughter and rainbows.
To me, a good love story is passion (no I'm not talking about sex). Passion and yearning. The feeling that if the world ends, you're running towards them. That whatever life throws at you, no matter how bad, you realize that you can't live without the other. You keep choosing them no matter what. I did not pick up even an ounce of this passion in the drama. It felt so one-sided even when he started to reciprocate.
It's the unrealistic first love story in a dreamy fairytale world where everything will always work out and everyone gets their happily ever after.
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Genuinely captivating
I haven't found a new favourite show in a long time, but this is definitely on the list now.I truly enjoyed this drama from start to end. Great tension, perfectly portrayed emotions, the leads went all out. This is a show for those who love angst, yearning, and a soft, gentle relationship between leads. It starts off with distrust and doubts, but transcends beyond this; there's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers energy in the beginning for sure.
I find myself thinking about the show a lot now; it's fresh in my mind, and I truly cannot get enough of it.
The sets are beautiful, and there are many memorable scenes and moments. I was truly immersed throughout the show. I felt angry, emotional, and also so happy I couldn't help smiling. It's definitely dramatic, but for good reason. I fully recommend this one.
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heartwarming slice of life with a Zombie twist
I read this as a Webtoon as it originally was being published, so imagine my surprise when they announced it as a film. The film stays true to the source material and keeps the humour. I had initially thought that they wouldn't be able to keep some of the funny moments but surprisingly they gave the same energy and vibe. The show is a softer Zombie slice of life so the only hard things to get through was the end, luckily i was prepared. Its heartwarming but at the same time sad. Get ready for a stellar cast that makes the whole film be cute heartwarming and an overall enjoyable watch.Was this review helpful to you?
If you want just romance this is for you
If you enjoy action romance xianxias then this isn't for you. At least from what I see from the first 5 episodes. It's all talking about love and people having crushes... The "love" feels unearned.CHARACTERS
I have to admit I hated the ML almost immediately. He seemed to have a stick up his ***. Seriously I get he's calm and aloof but he was downright petty. IT WAS HER BIRTHDAY!!!!! Anyway... I ended up somehow getting over it quickly when his personality took an almost 180.
The second male lead is plain annoying.
And no one takes the FL seriously to the point it's downright disrespectful and rude but it's just played off as funny. DUDE. I would be so sad and frustrated if I was in her shoes.
SETTING
WOW. Just wow. The set is amazing. It looks so much better than Love You Seven Times. The Heavenly Realm looks real and lived in. They did a great job with the set immersion.
OVERALL
I've given it a 7.5 because I think from the first 5 episodes it has done a good job. I mean, I haven't DNFed after the first one or two episodes so it is doing something right.... It's on hold on my watchlist.
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Low Expectations with High Payout
I had no intention of watching this as the two leads aren't impressive in previous works. So I went into it with very low to zero expectations...and I was very pleasantly surprised! What really stood out was how well balanced the entire series was...from character development, main couple dynamic, pacing, and overall visual appeal. The lead female and supporting female characters were all very well written. It was refreshing that all the female characters were not portrayed as weak damsels in distress. They were strong intelligent and nurturing and this was accomplished without emasculating the male characters (which tends to happen with most dramas).THE GOOD:
- The pacing was good - I rarely skipped (only because I was anxious to find out what happens next)
- The lead couple are very good looking and had really good chemistry. It's been awhile since I've seen an on-screen couple have such great chemistry that makes you yearn to see them onscreen together. You're invested in their relationship
- FL - This is hands down her best role ever. While she's stunningly gorgeous and exudes a bright naive charm, her acting in other series has been average and tends to lack chemistry w/ her MLs. She nailed this role in every way, and was able to exude strength, gentleness, humor, moral character but not in an unrealistic goody two shoes, pollyanna type.
- ML - This is the first time I've seen him in a lead role (saw him as 2nd ML in Love Between Fairy & Devil). His acting was solid with this role. Portrayed the typical stoic (and at times vicious) hero character, but was able to show tenderness towards those he loved.
- The family dynamic of the village was endearing, especially the elderly neighbor couple Mr. and Mrs. Zhao.
THE BAD:
- Not much, just some minor things...
- The ML (Yan Zheng) was literally recovering from injuries throughout the entire series, it was rather excessive
- Some unanswered loose ends: For example:
1. Yu Qian Qian (restaurant owner) confesses she "has a secret, she's from a far away place" but doesn't specify where? What was her true background other than rescuing the psychotic heir to the crown?
2. Li Huai An / Wen Kan (2nd ML) - why was he punished and sent into exile? He was a 'good guy' and always operated with integrity and also helped out the main lead couple, event against his grandfather's pressures.
Overall a very good series...and I'll likely rewatch it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Anytime is good to start MAKING OUT.
let's get the conclusions out of the way, shall we?
Is it worth it: I think, yes.
Is there a happy ending: ..kinda.
Is this the best thing you'll ever see: probably not but it's definitely not bad.
Plot: a modern girlie has an accident on her way to work and is catapulted into a fantasy land where she needs to survive.
While trying to survive and squeeze out some fun she meets the most powerful lord of said land and starts serving him. Will there be a love story ahead of them?
OBSERVATIONS:
When I started the drama it give me somehow "love between demon and fair" vibes. They have a lot in common but also differ also a lot.
Let's me tell that the first 12 episode were a blast. I had so much fun. The premise is interesting and our FL is really funny. She brings her "modern slacking" attitude into this fantasy world and is trying her best to do as little as possible because even against the odds, she just want to enjoy life.
I found my self laughing at different times when she said she just wanted to "rot in piece". In a specific scene she is watering a flower, but she does it in such a silly way , I couldn't hold my laugh .
At the beginning our ML is so confused by her attitude , he thinks she is some kind of mastermind scheming something nefarious. Meanwhile she is just thinking about eating and sleeping 🤣.
Talking about the ML, he is of course our Dark Lord, locked up in a tower and used as a power bank by his enemies.
His character is cunning, smart, and despise the unimaginable trauma he's endured his whole life, he is able to better him self and save the world.
POSITIVES:
✅The actors have good chemistry. They are believable as a couple even though the have a cute vibe more then a "passionate" love.
✅The drama is never boring (except the last maybe 3 episode). Even though sometimes the plot is not the best I never found myself skipping scenes. The drama doesn't really give you "strong "emotions, but its still able to hold your attention and keep you coming back.
✅tha acting. Both Arthur Cheng and the FL (sorry don't remember her name) give solid interpretations. Unfortunately there are still some moments I didn't quite like. Arthur Cheng is too much dependent on "smirking faces" and the FL is sometimes weak when it comes to really emotional scenes. It was a bit a hit or a miss. She was really good in some scenes and bad in others.
✅If you like kissing scenes there is plenty here.
NEGATIVES ❌
The things I didn't like have mostly to do with the plot but not only.
❌ After the first 12 wonderful episode, we get, I kid you not, 5 episodes of them making out. It was really weird.
❌ Sometimes the plot just plots. At the very beginning the FL is basically a servant and the Lord has no reason to keep her alive, but he does anyways because the plot required it.
❌Kissing scenes come at random times and are sometimes even "confusing.
What I mean by that? At a certain point the ml is suffering and the FL is alliviating his pain by using her powers. To make it work they have to touch foreheads but she randomly starts making out with his unconscious body, then gets dragged into his "soul world" and keep making out. When her spirit is back, Arthur Cheng has no clothes on, which he just had a minute prior. I kept asking myself: did they bang? It was really confusing.
Kisses are a staple in this drama and there is plenty of them, but after a while they are really repetitive. Same stale position. They feel performative. There werent any passioned ones giving the fact that they love each others so much. I appreciate more skinship in Chinese drama, because there is usually a lack of it, but I wasn't particularly moved by them to be honest.
Sometimes is seems that they make out to cure each others wounds.
❌Magic inconsistency: the magic in this world is sometimes confusing. Characters do stuff one time but not the other. Examples: it is established that they are able to fly, but in a scene where a mountain is exploding, no one thinks of flying away? Really?
❌ Characters are dumm. One of the Lords is this drama is cunning and evil. He's being scheming his whole life while Sima Jiao has been locked away for 500 years. When he gets out, a mountain with hundreds of people locked up is found and they all believe is was sims Jiao who did it. Guys.... He s being away for 500 years. Any doubts about who did? Why should he even do it? He is basically a nuclear force him self.
❌How did Liao best friend come to the immortal realm is there is a barrier for demons? How? How was she even conceived to begin with?
❌Instead of showing something, they make the characters give a long ass explanation.
❌The demons who are treated basically like salvages are way better "evil antagonists" than the Immortals.
❌ Why do the men cry with only tear coming out of their eye?
❌I feel that the third arc in the mortal realm was totally unnecessary. I saw many times that in this genre, they try to portrait the "love you in 3 lives " but I don't get why. The dynamics were repetitive. I am one of those weirdos who is totally fine with a tragic ending. I think It would have being better if they ended things when Sima Jiao died the first time.
❌The ending. It was kinda of meh. The whole drama the FL is certain she is dead in the modern world (I don't why), but in the third act, she starts having dreams about doctor saving her, which means she will go back to her right time line.
The drama ends with her and the ml meeting again, but I kept wondering if this is just a fortunate case or if sima Jiao was also a modern man who ended up in a fantasy world. Is it not clear and I guess it was by design. It was kept vague enough to make you wonder.
❌Secondary characters are really weak . The little snake and the best friend were just there. There weren't interesting enough to make me care.
❌Arthur Cheng performance when the FL was dying was pretty underwhelming. She gave a much more heart wrenching performance when he died.
I could go on but that will be just me ranting over details.🤣
To draw conclusions I think this is still a solid watch. Some emotionals scenes are there (the little boy asking for soup in exchange for his blood made my cry), even though this is not a "sweep me out of my feet "drama, it still manages to keep you entertained.
The love story is good, the scheming and battlling are entertaining. Definitely watch it if you like the genre just don't expect a once in a lifetime experience.
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Rom-com?
Guys I don't know...Look the story was pretty unique and I don't think I've seen or heard a similar series about this
But like i don't like how she kind of kept going with the VR world even tho she had a boyfriend? is it just me?
it kind of creeped me out.. I don't know
Also i think they kind of lacked chemistry??
I also don't like jisoo's acting it's kind of empty like no emotion. I mean seo in guk did a pretty good job and it was pretty funny sometimes but for the rest it felt forced
And her outfits.. I liked some of them but it's really empty. It would have been better if she wore something like a necklace, but she probably doesn't choose her own outfits.
off topic or on topic kind of..
when i saw their interview together i noticed that jisoo did WAAAAAAAYYY more effort than seo in guk? like what happend?? He didn't know anything about her but she did know alot of things about him??
Please correct me if i'm wrong!!!
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Well-written Characters and Amazing Plot..
I never wrote a review before, but here I'm trying for Pursuit of Jade.The drama is so good, easily in my top 20 c-dramas.
It is a combination of well-written characters, the FL, this cute little girl with tremendous strength and a big heart, and the ML, this strong and great general who falls for her helplessly. Together, they gave us this amazing and heartwarming love story. The second couple's story was the opposite. A toxic, obsessed (very handsome white-haired) guy and a restaurant owner lady who has a very mysterious past (maybe a time traveler?), their story was interesting but so sad and painful. The third couple ( the grand princess and the ML's friend) was surprisingly cute and nice.
As for the villains, both Wei Yan (the ML's uncle) and Qi Min / Sui Yuan Huai (the SML), yes, they were bad people who committed unforgivable crimes, but only due to the actions of the evil late emperor and Prince Chang Xin, whom I consider the real villains.
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ABURRIDO
Reseña: El tedio infinito de The Unclouded SoulHay series que te atrapan desde el primer segundo y otras que, lamentablemente, se sienten como una tarea pendiente que nunca termina. The Unclouded Soul pertenece firmemente a la segunda categoría. Lo que en el papel se presentaba como un drama épico de época con toques de intriga política, terminó siendo un ejercicio de paciencia que pondría a prueba hasta al espectador más devoto de los C-dramas.
Un ritmo que no avanza
El principal problema de esta producción es su ritmo exasperante. Durante los primeros diez episodios, la trama se siente estancada en una exposición innecesaria. Los personajes se pasan horas tomando té y lanzando indirectas que no llevan a ninguna parte. Entiendo que el género suele tomarse su tiempo para construir el mundo, pero aquí el mundo se siente vacío. "No entiendo por qué seguimos discutiendo lo mismo", me dije a la mitad de la serie, esperando que el conflicto finalmente estallara. Pero el conflicto nunca llegó, o si lo hizo, fue tan sutil que se perdió entre diálogos redundantes.
Personajes sin alma
A pesar del título, las "almas" en esta serie carecen de cualquier chispa de vida. El protagonista masculino mantiene la misma expresión de madera desde el inicio hasta el fin. Se supone que es un hombre atormentado por su pasado, pero lo único que transmite es un aburrimiento profundo que se contagia a través de la pantalla. Por su parte, la protagonista femenina cae en todos los tropos del género sin aportar nada nuevo; su "evolución" es prácticamente inexistente.
En una escena clave, un personaje secundario intenta advertirles sobre una traición inminente:
"Tengan cuidado, el enemigo está más cerca de lo que creen", advirtió con tono sombrío.
Sin embargo, la respuesta de los protagonistas fue tan apática que eliminó cualquier sentido de urgencia. "Lo tendremos en cuenta", respondieron, para luego seguir mirando el paisaje por otros cinco minutos de metraje.
Aspectos técnicos: Pura fachada
Es innegable que la fotografía y el vestuario son hermosos, pero eso solo resalta más el vacío del guion. Es como tener un envoltorio de lujo para una caja que no contiene nada. Los efectos especiales en las pocas escenas de acción que hay se sienten desfasados y carecen de impacto. No hay tensión, no hay apuestas reales y, lo peor de todo, no hay una razón emocional para seguir viendo.
Conclusión
Si buscan una historia que los mantenga al borde del asiento o que les haga sentir una conexión real con los personajes, miren hacia otro lado. The Unclouded Soul es un drama que se pierde en su propia autocomplacencia visual. Al final, lo único que queda es la sensación de haber perdido horas valiosas en una narrativa que no supo qué dirección tomar.
Lo peor: La falta total de dinamismo.
Veredicto: Solo para quienes necesiten un remedio visual contra el insomnio. No se molesten, mejor entren a buscar algo con un poco más de sustancia.
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ABURRIDO
Crítica: Cuando el carisma no basta para salvar el tedioEs una verdad dolorosa para cualquier fan de los dramas chinos: no todos los proyectos de nuestros actores favoritos están a la altura de su talento. En el caso de Amor en las nubes, nos encontramos ante un ejemplo de manual de cómo una producción puede desperdiciar a un protagonista sólido, como Hou Ming Hao, entregándole un material que carece de alma, ritmo y, sobre todo, de una chispa que justifique las horas de inversión frente a la pantalla.
Una protagonista que no conecta
El problema principal —y el más difícil de ignorar— es la construcción de la protagonista femenina (FL). En un género que depende enteramente de la química y la empatía, encontrarse con un personaje plano, cuyas motivaciones son erráticas o simplemente inexistentes, mata cualquier interés desde el primer episodio. No se trata solo de la actuación, sino de un guion que la deja a la deriva en un mar de clichés. "No entiendo por qué hace lo que hace", es el pensamiento recurrente. La falta de evolución la vuelve un obstáculo para la narrativa en lugar de un motor, haciendo que cada escena compartida se sienta forzada y carente de esa magia necesaria para que el espectador se enganche.
El bostezo como narrativa
El ritmo de la serie es, por decir lo menos, insufrible. Entramos en una dinámica de "relleno" constante donde los conflictos se estiran de forma artificial. Lo que podría resolverse en un diálogo de dos minutos se convierte en tres episodios de malentendidos absurdos que no aportan nada al crecimiento de los personajes. La trama se siente como caminar sobre lodo: mucho esfuerzo para avanzar apenas unos centímetros. Es una narrativa estática que confunde la "calma" con el aburrimiento absoluto.
El desperdicio de Hou Ming Hao
Ver a Hou Ming Hao en este drama es agridulce. El actor demuestra, una vez más, que tiene una presencia escénica impecable y una capacidad actoral que sobresale incluso en el vacío. Sin embargo, su interpretación se siente como un diamante en un entorno de cartón piedra. "Es un excelente actor", nos recordamos a nosotros mismos mientras lo vemos intentar darle profundidad a diálogos vacíos. Es frustrante notar cómo su esfuerzo se diluye al chocar con una contraparte que no le devuelve la energía y una dirección que parece más preocupada por la estética que por la sustancia.
Conclusión
Amor en las nubes es un recordatorio de que un nombre famoso en el cartel no garantiza una buena historia. A pesar de los valores de producción y la participación de Hou Ming Hao, el drama fracasa en lo más básico: entretener. Es una experiencia tediosa que pone a prueba la paciencia del público más fiel.
A veces, la mejor muestra de apoyo hacia un actor es reconocer cuándo un proyecto no funciona y esperar con ansias el siguiente, donde su talento realmente tenga espacio para brillar. Por ahora, este viaje a las nubes se queda en un aterrizaje forzoso en el olvido.
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The drama is as superficial as my critique
What in the low grade drama fest did I just watch! I did not know it was possible to dislike a male lead so much until watching the Forbidden flower. ML is weird, not even good looking (though cameraman tried his best to give him aesthetic angles) making every scene less tolerable, ml's acting is the weakest point. Music is like a different entity, failing completely. Ruonan as the fl delivers as the clingy infatuated youngster, ml looks too old for her. Even then , overall there is this bizarre low budget vibe in the series that is hard to reconcile with. Almost like a college project despite scenic elements.The drama is as superficial as my critique. There is nothing to take from here. Whoever recommended this after speed and love needs to get a life!!
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THE DUMB PRINCESS PINGYUE
I love the story especially the way it started and the whole dynamic and chemistry between ML and FL. The whole story surrounding Princess Pingyue/ Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan in the first 20 episodes is really engaging and the actors acting their roles are the best too! Its only towards the end from Ep 30 onwards that due the whole political angle the plot kinda loses its engagement. Especially the story surrounding Li Rong and Su Rongqing...SPOILERS AHEAD -
My biggest beef is with the role or character of Li Rong why the hell is she so dumb...Especially with regards to Su Rongqing...Like girl he let you die in your previous life and conspired against your family, why do you still trust him more than your own husband Pei Wenxuan who tried everything in his previous and current lives to save you and do everything for you...She really does have princess syndrome...She thinks Su Rongqing is her knight in shining armor...Pei Wenxuan is a safe bet...And her brother is just a pawn for power to her...Like Ep 34-35 was utter nonsense when Su Rongqing tells her about what happened in the past and that it was the noble families who made her come across this alchemist whom she then later placed alongside her brother aka the King in the previous life...And the alchemist tried to kill the King and naturally the king thought that his own sister is trying to kill him so he poisoned her and killed her and the other noble families let it happen...And first instinct as a sister was to not to believe her brother's intensions but SU RONGQING...Like GURL WHAT??? ARE YOU FOR REAL??? She conveniently left out the part that it was the noble families manipulation that caused a misunderstanding and that's why it led to the sad outcome...And after Pei Wenxuan comes to rescue her you'd think after being in love and now being pregnant with his child her instinct would be to share and communicate everything with her beloved husband...NO...NO...She is hiding it all from him...And again trying to meet WHO? Yes you guessed that right...SU RONGQING?!?! At this point I was confused if the ML was Su Rongqing or Pei Wenxuan...Like Girly believes, and cares and trusts him more than anyone else even her own family...I've never seen such a dumb and irritating female lead ever since START UP...Like in this whole plot the real villain was actually LI RONG/ PRINCESS PINGYUE...
Like later thanks to Pei Wenxuan her misunderstanding gets cleared and she gets to know about her brothers side of the story and all the hardships he had faced and the reason for his cruelty which is honestly heartbreaking like the two characters he wanted to protect his mom and his sister were the very two ones who both directly and indirectly caused him all the misery and pain in the previous life and caused the death of his beloved wife Qin ZhenZhen...
Funny thing is even after Pei Wenxuan explains her everything after that too she is scared to meet her brother and still doesn't trust him like gurl when in the first few episodes you thought your husband aka Pei Wenxuan killed you...You were ready to kill him or take revenge on him and not marry him again...Same with your brother you lost trust in him...But when you though SU RONGQING killed you...Girlies reaction "Ohh I don't blame him, he suffered a lot, that was just the past him because of his family dying he did that, I would have done the same if i were in his shoes, the current him doesnt want me dead, i can help the current him not go down the same path...
LIKE GURL WHAT?!?!
The story should have been name "LI RONG X SU RONGQING AND THE OTHERS" cause that's exactly how the FL character behaved...
If not for her dumb character I would have loved this story a whole lot more...I watched this story mainly for Zhang Linghe...But my guy was sidelined but by this dumb female character...Honestly I have no issues with the actress she did a great job with her acting...Zhao Jin Mai is a great actress and her chemistry with Zhang Linghe is great...I have watched their work in OUR GENERATION...And they were great together...Its just whoever wrote and directed this story made the female lead so dumb that it just frustrated the shit out of me...
It's only in the last few episodes she seems to have some clarity and decides to protect her brother, mother and father...And all her other friends and supporters...But again her idea was to again fight alone and sacrifice herself i swear had it not been for Pei Wenxuan she actually would have died...He literally is the reason all the good characters are alive...Like my guy is actually super smart but doesn't boast about it...He's literally playing 8D Chess here...Like all the plans have worked out thanks to his wisdom otherwise had they followed the FL's ways the 2nd life would have ended up the same way as the first if not worse...
Thank god Zhang Linghe worked in Persuit of Jade that drama really let him shine in the best ways!!!
Other than the dumb female character and the plot holes she caused rest everything was honestly not that bad!
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Take into account that it is based on a novel (and manga?) which means the characters seem very comic-like with individuals such as the nerd guy, the Daphne Blake girl, the timid girl and so on. Though I did enjoy the character portrayed by Aoki Munetaka.
The pacing is notably slow, and at times it struggles to maintain engagement. Scenes often linger longer than necessary, which can dilute the suspense rather than enhance it. To be honest I found myself even skipping a few scenes at the Decagon in favor of watching how the detectives will uncover the truth. Unfortunately, the same thing happened in the sequel which in my opinion could have easily been done in 5 episodes and not 8.
Visually, the series maintains a restrained style, focusing on the setting and mood rather than elaborate cinematography. The confined location works effectively to reinforce the sense of isolation, though it also contributes to a somewhat static visual experience.
Overall, the series offers a straightforward mystery experience that relies on familiar elements, leaving its impact largely dependent on how much the viewer appreciates this approach.
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