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The high score you see online is not a reflection of quality
This isn't just a bad show; it's a fascinatingly cynical product designed to extract views through aggressive marketing while ignoring every fundamental aspect of storytelling.The makers, are trying so hard to make the FL glorious, heroine that she is doing everything and all males ( lead, sides) who are according to the story got trained to become general or Marquis are actually failing to do anything.
She is defeating the badass villain, flying between arrows, saving people, killing an old villain who is almost a terror, all by herself without a proper training. People are admiring her without reasons.
Zhang Linghe, as the male lead, delivers a performance so stiff it borders on performance art. He is meant to portray a marquis in hiding, but his interpretation of "hiding" seems to be "hiding any semblance of emotion." Whether he's supposed to be near death from cold or subtly threatened, his face remains a mask of vacant indifference. He simply stands there, beautiful but utterly inert.
The rest is many Chinese clichés tropes and non interesting side stories that don't resemble anything of Chinese history it looks rather a parody of Chinese culture than a real depiction .
I love C dramas I admit classics and masterpieces but the overhype this drama received is unprecedented and it should never be classified near the real Cdramas great works
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Silly
Omg! This was just silly with a massive product placement of Nivea.Stunning visuals, good music and good acting.
I'll watch anything with FistKhaotung, but this short vertical was unnessasary. This was not a special, this was just advertisement.
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It's okay, but I wouldn't say I'm hooked, unless you're specifically there for the main actors
Zhang Linghe’s performance feels a bit disconnected from the character, and the action sequences lack grace. I especially dislike large-scale skirmishes where poor camera angles reveal extras just standing around in the background, waiting for their cue—it’s quite distracting.The plot starts off slow, and the political intrigue isn't very gripping. On the bright side, the script isn't intolerable; the cinematography is beautiful, and the storytelling flow is excellent.
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Puuurrrrrfect!
You can't go wrong with FirstKhaotung, these are two of the best actors Thailand has and their chemistry is amazing!!They hardly kissed in this drama, but kissing is not a must for me.
The story was very simple but puuurrrrfect! This drama left me with a wholesome feeling. The last episode broke me a bit, but i don't mind. I can appreciate a good cry.
The fighting scene was done very well, in a lot of drama's the fighting scenes look too much choreographed.
The visuals were stunning and the music beautiful.
And the whole cast did a great job!
A real must see!
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A dull and boring story
The Fatal Bloom” is based on a revenge story. The female protagonist’s husband tricks her family and massacres them. Afterwards, his accomplice insults and assaults her. However, she escapes from them but is shot by a corrupt police officer and falls into a river.From there, she disguises herself as the accomplice’s sister through plastic surgery and remarries her husband to take revenge. This short story is completed in 28 episodes, each with a duration of approximately 15 minutes. One can imagine how many exaggerated scenes there are.
I liked the male protagonist’s acting; that’s why I chose this drama. However, the story and direction are poor and dull.
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Missed Potential in the Final Moments
The ending of this season was really unsatisfying. The first season was so good that I honestly expected him to take the throne this time. But instead, he let that child take it—the same child whose father betrayed him.I mean, he could have protected and raised the child, but not as his equal or “brother.” It just didn’t feel right. Even if he had taken the throne, they could still have created strong plot elements for a third season.
Right now, I’d give this season a 6/10. But if there’s another season where he finally takes the throne, I might change my rating.
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Sweet slowburn
This was a sweet drama, i watched it in one sitting. Episode eleven was truly wholesome.The visuals were good and the music ok.
The acting was good and the mains had great dynamics and good chemistry. The kiss was good.
I recommend watching this sweet drama.
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Nearly better than the first season
I am happy, that I waited until all episodes were released.Some series work better, if you have the opportunity to watch it in one go.
This is one of these.
Besides “At 25:00 in Akasaka" this is the second Japanese BL show, which is leveling up with the second season.
The show has found its rhythm for the storytelling and it shows. That combined with an acting capable cast and a good overall production quality delivers a wholesome feel good slice of life drama.
I found myself smiling nearly the whole time while watching.
We’re part, how both MLs are there for each other while working on their future as professionals and as a couple.
To be witness, how they have each others back? 🥹😘🫶🏼
Some viewers criticize the ending of this season.
Imo the drama found a good balance between finishing this chapter of their journey, while leaving some room for a (perhaps??) third season?
Even if a third season never comes to pass. Enough story is tied up neatly to make me a happy viewer after finishing it.
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A simple story of the meaning of love
I’m not always a big fan of Chinese love stories as it can get long and convoluted. This series with Arthur Chen and Sun Qian is just what the doctor ordered. The pacing is well done, a slow burn to a growing relationship. I specially enjoyed watching China back in the 70’s and saw how people lived. It completely changed my point of view, not the dark stories I’ve heard. People are people no matter where you are, it’s th circumstances that differs. And this love story stayed true to what people go through.It talks about the challenges living a communist China where the deeply rooted culture sets the tone. The chemistry of the lead actors where superfluous and just grows on me, it’s not hyped and feels real. You can see Fei Ni slowly opens what’s been hidden deep inside her heart to Fang Mu Yang. The supporting characters as well added a parallel storyline that was not distracting as they too have their own challenges to overcome. The focus on their hopes and inspirations is very welcoming in a dreary life of Communist China in the 70’s I’m glad it’s only 29 episodes so unnecessary fillers which C-Dramas are notorious resulting in flat endings. I feel scriptwriting is crucial, just like preparing a perfect meal, don’t overdo the ingredients. This is what this series is about, the right amount of ingredients slowly cooked to perfection.
Arthur’s acting has gotten better as he gained more experience but sometimes his good looks can also be his challenge as it can distract my focus. It’s the thought of “he’s too good looking to be true”, and in comparison to Sun Qian’s simple looks and her superb acting she truly dominates the storyline.
This show has so many memorable and relatable moments that makes me want to see more of the lives of Chinese in the years when I was growing up in Asia.
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Best costume drama!
By far the best costume C drama I’ve seen. It was interesting how and why he kept his name and status hidden. Loved how they made the FL strong and also a hero in the story. Her friends were very supporting and funny. The ML was super cute and nice towards his little sister in law! It took them way to long to act like husband and wife…Still the best costume C drama!
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Nicely Crafted but left with a Discontented Surface
I was quite hooked when I first saw the trailer for 'Pursuit of Jade.' So, I was quietly waiting for their release, and honestly, it was worth my wait. The first few episodes were so funny, engaging, and informative. Along with the main leads, the side characters played very well, and later those supporting personages became a strong backbone throughout the series.When it comes to judging the story, I wish I could say, "The script enchants me." I had really enjoyed the series from its start to the middle, which was great, like a 'fully packed content.' But the downfall commenced with the last few episodes, and I gradually started losing interest in the wrap-up episodes. The emperor's immature expressions and actions seem quite unrealistic. In the series, his character is depicted as a 'puppet ruler,' but the point that still keeps knocking me is, 'Can a puppet ruler be this much puerile?!'
The second thing that pissed me off was the 'Machiavellian' character played by Deng Kai. With no doubt, he just nailed that role, but the way it was scripted in the storyline exasperated me quite a bit. To accede to the throne, how ruthless a person can be! He spared none, and the worst part is, he even tried to kill his own son!!
Another thing I would like to highlight is the monotonous tagline 'Seventeen years ago' throughout the series. I'm not criticizing it because the event that happened seventeen years ago is the main point of the series; everything else in the drama is based on it. What I am trying to say is 40 episodes feel quite long to me to bring up the issue or the hidden truth that affects everyone's life.
Maybe that's why the ending of "Pursuit of Jade" is not up to the mark!
Lastly, the series concludes on a happy and satisfying note for all the protagonists, obviously including the main leads. But I am a bit doubtful about the 'epilogue' in the last episode. I feel quite dubious about the necessity of the 'extras.'
Anyway, long story short, "Pursuit of Jade" presents a good storyline. All the characters are well-played, and I am satisfied with their acting. The production was also very good. Overall, IT IS A GOOD ATTEMPT.
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Slow Burn, Sharp Minds, and Totally Hooked: My Tang Dynasty Obsession
OMG, I did not expect to get sucked into this drama, but here we are. 😂 Like seriously, I went in thinking “meh, another mystery thing” and ended up binge-watching half the episodes in one night. This show low-key hit different.First off… Su Wu Ming. Bruh. 😏 This guy was flashy, yeah, but it was his brain that was insane. He was always ten steps ahead, manipulating situations, and making everyone else look like amateurs. I swear, sometimes I just sat there like, “Wtf, how did he even think of that?!” Honestly, he was my favorite reason to watch this show. High-key a genius.
Then there was Lu Ling Feng… oh boy. At first, I was like smh—he was so cocky and rushed into everything like a maniac. 🙄 I was rolling my eyes so hard. But ngl, by Episode 11, he started to grow on me. He learned from Su Wu Ming, thinking before swinging his sword, and slowly became a real character instead of just being the “proud general.” The bromance though… lol, I was weak. It wasn’t even cheesy, just real—like “I don’t totally hate you yet, and maybe you’re useful.” 😂
The show didn’t shove romance in my face either, thank god. 😅 There were minor hints, but they didn’t ruin anything. That’s rare for dramas, ngl. It kept the focus on the mysteries and character growth, which was honestly the main reason I kept watching.
The supporting cast was quirky and fun too. There was the chicken-obsessed doctor 🐔, the martial artist-turned-disciple, and a pretty talented artist. They all had their own weird vibes, and watching them work together actually made me care about everyone in the team. It was chaotic but in the best way.
The cases themselves? Chef’s kiss. 😤 They were clever, twisted, and some had me like “wtf?!” but the solutions actually made sense. The supernatural stuff was fun but subtle—it was never like “ghosts everywhere lol,” it was all about human motives and clever detective work.
Pacing? Yeah, it was slow at first. But if you’re into slow-burn dramas, this is so your jam. 🔥 Characters grew, the plot built, and the payoff was worth it. I couldn’t even with how satisfying some of those reveals were.
Overall, if you like mysteries, clever characters, and slow-burn shows where the leads actually develop, this one’s a must-watch. Can’t wait for Season 2. I’m already overthinking what Su Wu Ming and Lu Ling Feng are gonna do next. 😅
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Bland
I really wanted to love Bon Appétit, but the execution is just... bland. For a show centered on Michelin-star cooking, the lead performance felt remarkably one-note. Yoona’s portrayal of Ji-yeong lacks the 'grit' you’d expect from a world-class chef; instead of a professional out of her element, we got the same wide-eyed, idol-style reactions we’ve seen in every other rom-com. It feels like she’s playing 'Yoona as a chef' rather than actually inhabiting the character. Without any real depth in the acting, the high-stakes palace intrigue just feels like a low-budget skitWas this review helpful to you?
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One of the Greatest story of extremely Strong General Couple in my book!
I have been hearing about this drama for a long time, I thought it was just another historical drama about generals but when I started watching it boy!! I was utterly blown away and completely proven wrong. I have been absolutely hooked by this unique gem from the beginning, keeping me glued to the screen eagerly waiting for every episode excitedly.What drew me to this drama is the fact that female lead is undeniably strong, yes it's bordering on supernatural strength but I love this feature. It's deliberate and most importantly it works perfectly for this most outstanding and extra ordinary story.
Hats off to all the perfect cast who have brought this magnificent masterpiece to life with their superb acting and smooth chemistry. Not only the main leads are drop dead gorgeous even the villians are heart throbs.
💫ZLH as always have portrayed his complex, layered and emotionally intense character XZ brilliantly well. With each new project his acting has become more natural, refined, and emotionally nuanced. Once again he displayed his mastery of micro-expressions in drama, particularly his ability to convey deep emotion, longing, or menace through his eyes without needing dialogue through out many scenes in this drama. The drama flawlessly showed us XZ's sweet, caring, sensitive, protective, thoughtful, soft, tender and loving family man side in contrast to his decisive, tough, possesive, manipulative, calclating, tactical, cunning, over-powering, commanding presence, patriarchal and strong unmatched awesome warrior side. XZ has very turbulent life yet he masterfully excelled in educational field and cultivated a very admirable and formidable character becoming a legendary marquis who has incorporated the wisdom of contemplating things through 9 times before taking action. He demonstrated both the brains and the brawn and showed his amazing capabilities through out the drama.
💫TXW has also nailed her character exceptionally and impeccably well. She has brought her sun like energy to brighten, employed her intense agility, perseverance and strength to bring out character FCY's warrior and wild persona. She did not fail to incorporate and blend in her sweet, bright and lively but strong and confident energy with the character to make FCY's extremely likeable and unforgettable character come to life seemlessly. She has delivered a whole range of scenes i.e. comedic, intensly emotional, romantic and action ones extremely naturally and with brilliant skills. FCY's character growth is most significantly engaging and captivating part of the story and it is done stunningly well. Her journey of being a child bearing the brunt of mocked parents, to a teenager with no parents and shouldering her household and her ill younger sister, to taking care of and protecting her severly injured husband with unstable identity and a harrassed friend, to protecting her village, to protecting the country along with all her family and friends is a massive and incrediblly admirable feat. FCY is a beauty who has brawns unquestionably yet lacked high intelligence (not being able to study due to socio-economical factors) yet she possessed very admirable rare wisdom, strong principles and insightfulness that leaves most educated people to submit to her stunning decisions and capabilities in the face of most dire circumstances. She is like a wildflower: beautiful, carefree and having capitivating presence that commands undistracted attention to it. The drama perfectly captivates her loving, caring, bold, hardworking, silly, commited, daring, responsible, wise, destressful, vulnerable, yearning, resilient, progressive, selfless and empathetic sides, she is constantly evolving and achieving new goals.
💫Villians have performed significantly well too. They also have captivated the audience with their masterful portrayal of very complex characters. QM/SYH displayed his very vicious, ruthless, obsessive, vindictive, manipulative, cunning, vengeful, selfish, unhinged and malicious sides yet did not fail to express that he was actually pitiful person and there was part of him that wanted unconditional love and care. The character that was hopelessly unreemable had wish for the light for the sake of loved one only. Then, SYQ who is no less villainous then QM bordering on maniac too similarly had a side who loved and admired his brother and wanted to protect his parents and avenge their death. Not forgetting to mention WY, didn't want to be villian but was forced to take wrong path due to all the events 16 years ago invites audiences' loathing yet subtly compels them for understanding at the same time. Then there are other villians who play the usual troupe of committing henious crimes being pathetic, greedy and selfish for the sake of power.
✨️Amongst all the other characters I love the introduction of pig slaughter squad brothers (different from novel). Their presence added a lot of fun, excitement, brotherhood moments and deeper emotional layers to the events. Also, XZ's sub general's humorous and loyal moments and events stood out a lot. Then there are LHA, Tutor Tao, Mr and Mrs Zhao, GSY, Princess, YQQ, YB, and FCN who were all so very sweet, intresting, lively, warm and handful that there was never a dull moment with them around. The director brilliantly and masterfully made the simple Linan town characters like Mr Wang, Mr Li etc stand out and have emotional presence with their lingering short but impactful stories that it pulled on viewers hearts strings to even see them get hurt.
💫The main couple YZ/ XZ and FCY had fire chemistry that went through the roof!💖👌 They blessed the viewers with all kind of dynamics: at times they were domestic, sweet, soft, cute then they had extremely passionate and emotional moments coupled with times where there was blazing tension and attraction between them. The drama perfectly executed the different phases of their love journey: their acquaintance curiosity turned into admiration then it turned into hesitant love then that turned into beautiful heart warming yearning when they were apart which later transformed into selfless, unrelenting, overpowering and unwavering love. Even though their relationship dynamic wasn't enemies to lovers yet they magnificently managed to build steaming tension between them at different instances. The viewers experience wide range of emotions between the main leads while they start from conincedental meeting, move on to mutual contractual fake marriage, then they develope genuine feelings, take their time to accept their own feelings before finding courage to confess their feelings given their inconvenient circumstances. Eventually building a positive relationship where they trust, protect and rely on each other while unraveling the mysteries and solving the challenges surrounding them.
Although the chemistry between our 2nd CP QM and YQQ was very engaging, it was morally grey relationship. Viewers were kept at the edge of their seats, teasing them that this cp might turn out okay. However sadly the only way out for their relationship dynamic was the ending QM accepted for himself. Now to the 3rd cp GSY and the princess, their love story is very cute, humorous and endearing.
💫The cenimatrography, CGI and sound effects are exteremly impressive! The directing of this drama is unquestionably ingenious. Rich attention to details in set designs, luxurious and status related costumes, resonating BGMs and OSTs, immersive atmosphere, mesmirising sceneries, very elaborate and engaging camera angles all blended in gloriously and splendidly well to bring this majestic work to life. This historical drama has high production quality, strong acting and a delicate balance between historical accuracy and compelling storytelling.
💫The drama story itself is grand in every aspect💯, encompassing emotional, and social struggles, high lighting timeless issues like class, women's rights, and social change, making them feel relevant today. It brilliantly kept multiple romantic stories with various dynamics engaging, suspenseful, exciting and captivating while immersing the viewers in the world of warfare and political intrigues. Viewers get to have taste of how the art of war is employed: the wisdom, the reasons, the psychology, the capabilities, the decisions, the restrictions, the decipline, the miltary rules and ranks, the effects of wrong decisions made on the royals, ministers and citizens' lives.
💫ENDING:
I loved the happy dreamy ending for our most beloved General CP that they have hard earned! Most villians got what was coming for them. I would have liked more elaborate ending for the pig slaughter squad, MK and GSY x Princess CP however, I was satistfied that they had peaceful and good endings where they all came to terms with what they wanted and loved to do and which paths to follow. QM x YQQ ending was very interesting, QM finally learned that to love is to be selfless enough to be able to sacrifice even your life just to make sure your loved one is happy and safe. Their ending was sad but unfortunately in this life he reached the point of no return, only by finally doing something good at the end of his life did he earn good karma for his next life. Towards the end there were many hints that most of them will meet in the next life. It was very surprising for me that YQQ is not from this world but could have been from the future world.
Epilogue:
I really liked this part. It was very unique supernatural element of the ending, it gave some more conclusion to the main narrative, revealed the future fates of some characters, wraped up some loose ends, and provided us with some final reflections. It's either a parallel universe or possible future where events of 16 years ago never happened. Where neither XZ, nor CY has lost their parents, they have a good relationship with WY( who hasn't commited any villainous acts). Like our main couple promised they chose each other in the next life too. Then, QM is a good and wise king who everyone respects while YQQ happily runs the resturant yet when they meet, due to their wish to never meet again in the next life, QM can’t stand to be in her presence in this life (wondering if they were enemies in last life). I would have preferred to see them to be a happy couple at least in this life but if this is what they both wished for in the last life then it is acceptable.
💫Overall, I enjoyed this grand work a lot. I highly recommend it anyone who enjoys historical, romantic, war and mystery dramas. It is 10/10 in every aspect for me!!
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It was...just okay
I actually really liked the fl, liked her tone, her approach to things. Yang Mi did a really great job I thought she was perfectly cast, the problem I had was unfortunately with Xu Kai, he was just so...checked out. I thought his character would have been a nice change compared to the roles he usually plays but I think he suits a comedic role much more. His charisma can actually shine there whereas here...I felt nothing.The kisses lacked chemistry, the romantic moments had a dissapointing buildup. I think with small tweaks it could've been a better drama.
I have to be honest, I only properly watched the first half and skimmed the last half because the cases bored me and the dynamics weren't interesting anymore. My favorite character by far was Yang Mi's best friend. I was really happy she finally left her shiitty husband, she was too good for him.
Aside from that my personal favorite duo was Qin Shi and Li Dai's relationship. I really really wanted to see more of them. It would have been so good to see them working together, their arc was so good. I really disliked Qin Shi's bosses, every smile felt fake and rehearsed.
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