Reviews

Stellar historical cdrama to add to top 10

This show started so strong, and for the most part continued to follow through, however it did start to weary a little 2/3 in. Almost all dramas do this that go on for 40 episodes, its kinda hard to keep an engaging pace.

I did love all the cast, like most feel the villains were endearing in their own red flag way lol. Have loved all the fun clips of bts on socials, that have reminded us all they are just characters in a show, and adorable cuties in real life. 😆😆😆

The final episode was interesting, thats for sure and a few plot holes popped up as they did a lot of “past” scenes or date explanations that plain didn’t math the way the mains were aged, but who cares right? No one.

Wonderful show that is up there with some of the best historical dramas. I get annoyed when people who haven’t watched many call this the greatest ever. i hope they stick around the current trend of cdrama a little and discover all the great ones that have been made in the past. So many!

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The Bl that got me to watch and enjoy horror for the first time.

When I started this series I was drawn by ThupSingha chemistry and how beautiful they looked.Even from the beginning I enjoyed the teasing and how their love story developed slowly through the next episodes.The opening episode was very strong and interesting.
Can we talk about how cute Thup was and his heterochromia.Singha was a marvel to stare at and his acting superb.
Whenever I looked at Thup's eyes I could tell from his fear that he was in danger.His eyes told it all.The fear,the sorrow,the joy and that's good acting.His little noises were also very cute and I found myself on his side all through the show.I wanted to protect him too.
The ghosts, sacrifices and rituals were all new to me and I enjoyed learning a lot about this in a refreshing and interactive way.The sound effects were spot on.I was super scared but I was excited to see what's next.
I like how this series went beyond romance to a very interesting and gripping plot.It went beyond the boundaries of just a bl.
We were all investigators trying to figure out the next reveal and this was fulfilling.I like how everything unfounded eventually and we got answers.This thriller was worth every minute I watched it.
In short or many words this series is the best I have seen and when it ended I felt I wouldn't find sth as satisfactory.Now I'm rewatching it coz I miss them

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Promising start, empty payoff !

I’m pretty strict with the ratings I give because I have high standards when it comes to dramas. Pursuit of Jade had all the ingredients to be amazing, but it ended up falling flat.

The biggest issue is the narrative. It opens up too many plotlines and doesn’t properly develop any of them. The story keeps moving, but without direction, weight, or a clear purpose. It feels like it’s going somewhere, but nothing ever truly lands or gets resolved in a satisfying way.

More than being a bad story, it feels like one that never figured out what it wanted to be. And that’s what makes it so frustrating. The potential was there, but it was wasted.

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A Masterpiece

From the cinematography to the casting, color grading, and music—everything about this drama is chef’s kiss. It has easily earned a spot in my top 10. I’m completely obsessed with the storytelling and the pacing; it never felt rushed or dragged, just perfectly balanced.

The director did an incredible job making every single frame look stunning. I genuinely couldn’t look away. Even the smallest details like the tear of a window screen or the way food was presented were captured so beautifully that it made every scene feel intentional and immersive.

The cast absolutely delivered. Not only did they look stunning, but they embodied their roles so well that it felt effortless to get lost in the story. The makeup and costumes were also on point—especially in the snow scenes, where everything looked so realistic and thoughtfully done.

I was also blown away by the use of real props, like the pigs and falcon, which added another layer of authenticity to the show. You can truly feel the effort and care that went into every aspect of production.

Huge kudos to everyone involved—this drama was such a treat to watch. I already know I’ll be rewatching it in the winter; it’s officially become a comfort show for me.

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I love their perspective about love, grief and guilt

It's an emotional story about love for cats, love, grief, guilt and family. In all his failures and imperfect ways. It's relatively calm and composed when compared with FirstKhao's other series (and it was literally their wish). It's still emotionally developed and very on brand for them, but a lot less rollercoaster of emotions.

I loved it in general, it's about grief and it's well done, I just have some points: I wish that the mom and son thing were more developed, bcs we don't really understand what exactly made mother and son fall a little apart, where exactly was the moment or thing that this happened. Also, the whole show has those little plot holes here and there, but overall it's not that unpleasant.

It's beautiful, and the acting, I don't even need to talk about it right? Fresh Arisara is one of the most brilliant actors of her generation. I wish that she would just do every show in Thailand bcs she's brilliant. FirstKhao alwayyyyys delivers and Satang is also amazing.

A good watch! Also I love the cats, I just really wish that they would play a bigger role in the whole thing. WE LOVE YOU BABY JUMBO. I also love my diva Jennie.

Oh and AJ who is there playing the same character for the 1939 time. And I eat it everytime.

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BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS...GREAT & INTERESTING!

Great storyline, great casting, great acting, great osts and what not! It grabbed my attention from the ep 1 only. It has a full fledged storyline that is very unique and is much better than many mainstream historical c-dramas. A light drama, with full of emotions and dialogues, a complete plot and heartwarming end. I personally never felt a single episode boring. For a short drama, this one really exceeded the bar.

Usually we read stories of someone transmigrating into the comic or fiction world, but what if the characters of that comic regained their consciousness and strive to have their own free will? If they plan to rebel against their fate (written by author) and break free from the shackles of stage, is it possible? The FL and ML try their best to break the stage. after going through continuous loop of storyline again, remembering each other and confessing their love to each other. But they want freedom and a life together in a countryside house! Away from their predestined roles of supporting characters and being married to the person decided by author. And then to see each other die by their pre-decided lovers' hands.

Just give it a watch, it will be something new and worth it. Will make you ponder upon many things, and comes with lots of learnings!

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Morally Simplistic

I watch a drama for one of three reasons: to learn something, feel something, or be entertained. So far this drama is weak in all three.

In the first 14 episodes, people have been slaughtered by the hundreds–all as various factions struggle to acquire power. The repetitive and boring fight scenes take up a huge percentage of each episode. For me, at least, the different combatants are hard to differentiate, let alone care about.

Our hero, Ning Que, is a fighter. He has a personal score to settle. Other than that, he just wants to survive in this treacherous world. He’s skilled in swordsmanship, talented in calligraphy and martial arts, and attractive to the ladies. The bad guys, dressed in black, are mostly a bunch of uglies who aim to install the child of Hades as ruler of the world–so we know which side to root for. As I said–pretty simple-minded.

The violence is sanitized, so the audience doesn’t have to feel upset when someone is murdered. We’re anesthetized to the torture and murder taking place in the name of glory and “courage.”

Ning Que seems really fond of his engaging little maid, Sang Sang. Of course she has to obey his every whim, but she seems happy to do it. While ignorant and self-centered, NQ wants to gain knowledge through cultivation–mostly to gain more skill so he can overcome his enemies. That seems to be his main goal.

Ning Que, is mostly an unknown at this point. If there’s more to his character, we haven’t seen it yet.

Have to admit I’m a sucker for mystical teachings and magic special effects, and those abound in EVER NIGHT.

I also love seeing the flora and fauna of the Chinese landscape.

Two questions:

1. Why is Sang-Sang always obsessing about her “dark skin” when she appears lighter-skinned than Ning Que?

2. Hey, writers! Why all this hatred toward crows? Crows are wonderful, intelligent birds. And while our ancestors feared them, please don’t encourage cruelty by showing people throwing rocks at them.

Later: As there’s very little character development in this series, I decided to watch a more substantial drama. BUT... if you decide to do the same, at least watch episode 60 before you go. This episode shows a grand battle between two major antagonists (I won’t say who--no spoiler here). The CGI depiction of this fight is the best, and most original, I’ve ever seen.

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Holy shit this drama is STUNNING.

Beautiful story? Check.
Beautiful cast? Check.
Beautiful scenery and shots? DOUBLE CHECK.

This drama was so visually stunning that I literally could not look away. Kudos to whoever did the cinematography AND visual effects in this drama because both the real sets and CGI sets were breathtaking. It added another layer to the watch experience because the scenes are almost too otherworldly beautiful and yet they’re also gritty and tangible and real.

This story touched my heart because Fan Changyu’s rise from pig slaughterer to General was SO satisfying. You see her literally fight for her place in society.

And Xie Zheng? My goodness, where can I get one of him. I love how our first introduction to his character was when he was almost dead. You see him at his lowest and at his weakest. But as he was nursed back to life and back to health by Changyu, and as the two of them grew closer, you saw his strength come back. His life started to have meaning again. I had SHIVERS when he rode in atop his horse in his full Marquis regalia for the first time. That scene will live with me for a long time.

The story itself has the hallmarks of a historical drama, that is, the convoluted plot and conspiracies and plot twists. Frankly, I did not care for the political intrigue in this one and I’m still quite confused how all of the court drama was resolved. The end of all of the court shenanigans was quite satisfying even though I don’t know how we got there.

I’ll be rewatching this one for Changyu and Xie Zheng. They definitely rank as one of my favourite drama couples ever. The chemistry between the two is unreal and I just love their journey.

If you’ve made it this far reading my review, then do yourself a favour and watch Pursuit of Jade!

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Something new but still amazing

I really loved this drama and l hope yall give it a chance . From the acting to the story everything was captivating and good. And no character was truly 100 bad among the antagonists. Very complex characters molded by the circumstances in their lives. Good show. 👍 From the first the first episode of the storyline captivates you and captures your attention at first it seems like the same cliche Troop that we always see but I loved how they flipped the script over and he was marrying into a family instead of her family and and everything left the relationship Dynamic and how he never intentionally hurt her or physically assaulted her in anyway. And the breakup only last for a very short time and they don't overdo it I was also very interested by the second couple with the obsessed Prince and the former maid who was now like the manager and running her business. It really was such a complicated relationship where he knew that he deeply loved her but he did not know how to express love in a healthy way so for her his love was like torture but for him her love was everything and part of his reason to live anyways I don't want to say too many spoilers great show .go watch it

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F the patriarchy!

Glory is an uplifting cdrama that combines romance, ambition, and personal growth into a story that feels both inspiring and emotionally grounded. Led by compelling performances from Gulinazha and Hou Minghao, the series explores how resilience, identity and family dynamics shape the paths people choose in life.

One of the cdrama’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of perseverance and self-discovery. The characters face numerous obstacles, yet the story consistently emphasizes that setbacks can become turning points. Through determination and courage, they learn to redefine success on their own terms.

It also thoughtfully examines patriarchal expectations within society. Several characters must navigate pressures rooted in tradition, particularly the expectations placed on women regarding career, family, and personal choices. Rather than presenting these pressures in a purely negative light, the narrative uses them to highlight how individuals challenge outdated norms and carve out their own independence.

In contrast, Glory introduces the idea of a matriarchal family structure, where female figures hold significant authority and influence within the household. This dynamic adds an interesting layer to the story, showing how power and responsibility can exist in different forms within family life. It reinforces the importance of wisdom, generational guidance, and the strength that women bring to both family and society.

Alongside these themes, the relationship between the leads is built on mutual respect and encouragement, portraying love not as a distraction from personal ambition but as a partnership that helps both individuals grow.

With its thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt performances, Glory ultimately delivers a meaningful message: true achievement is not just about external success, but about courage, integrity, and the willingness to challenge expectations while staying true to oneself.

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Messy reality

If Only You Weren’t the One is a short yet emotionally gripping romance that explores the complicated pull of past relationships. The story follows a woman whose life is disrupted when a former forbidden lover reappears, forcing her to confront unresolved feelings and difficult choices.

What makes the drama engaging is its mature approach to romance. Instead of idealizing love, it focuses on messy emotions, temptation, and the lingering impact of past decisions. The performances feel natural and intimate, which helps the emotional tension land despite the series’ short runtime.

Overall, it’s a quick but compelling watch. Perfect for viewers who enjoy romantic stories that are a little more bittersweet and realistic than the typical love drama.

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Living my Zhu Yu era

There's so much attention to detail in this cdrama.
Did you notice the Pursuit Of Jade logo has a hidden pig and butcher knife as strokes in its original Chinese design?

I was already a fan of Director Zeng Qing Jie and screenwriter Zou Rue, whom were responsible for Blossom and Love like the Galaxy, respectively, in the past. I have also being following the career of the lead actress, Tian Xiwei, so I was always going to watch the cdrama and most likely enjoy it. But what I found was so much more than what I expected.

I’m genuinely impressed by Pursuit of Jade. This cdrama is a beautiful example of what happens when every creative element works in harmony.

First, the script is incredibly well crafted. The storytelling feels thoughtful and layered, balancing emotional depth with engaging plot development. Every episode reveals something meaningful about the characters, and the dialogue feels natural and purposeful rather than forced.

The cinematography is another standout. Each scene is framed with care, using lighting, composition, and color to create an atmosphere that enhances the story and characters' actions. Whether it’s sweeping landscape shots or quiet, intimate moments between characters, the visuals consistently elevate the drama and make it feel cinematic.

The direction deserves a lot of praise. The pacing is confident, allowing emotional scenes to breathe while still keeping the narrative moving forward. The director clearly understands how to build tension, highlight character relationships, and guide the audience through the story in a way that feels immersive and satisfying. Yes, by the end, there's a couple of weak points but ultimately they feel irrelevant when you take a step back and see the entire picture that was presented.

And of course, the entire cast delivers fantastic performances. Every actor brings sincerity and depth to their role, making the characters feel authentic and relatable. The chemistry between the cast members is especially strong, which makes the emotional moments land even harder.

Tian Xiwei carried this story with ease, warmth and power. I knew she had it in her and I am so glad this particular project, this team, gave her the chance to shine like the absolute badass she is. From being a small town girl to a soldier defeating seasoned generals with a butcher knife, and finally a first rank official, her journey was incredible to witness. The character of Changyu was the beating heart bringing everything she touched alive.

Zhang Linghe is growing as an actor with each new performance and I feel he did a really good job portraying the dualities and nuances of a character like Zheng. From aloof and cold, he slowly peeled each layer to show his true heart. Which was full of love for Changyu, his friends and even his very complex family. Through everything Zheng was steadfast, an agent of chaos and order.

Tian and Zhang had great chemistry through the entire run of the cdrama and delivered one of the best romances I have seen in a while. Their characters complemented and see each other for whom they are. Zheng was always proud of Changyu, whatever she was a butcher girl or a mighty general, and in return she was always a source of support for him. If they had fights, they would openly communicate with each other and grow from those experiences, so they could be a better and even stronger team. They always had a tacit understanding of who they were as a couple and it made their love unconditional and true.

I must comment on screenwriter Zou Ye, once again, on this point. Particularly because all the characters were properly developed, not just the leads. This script is so tight, by the end of the cdrama, you understand everyone's motivations, desires and fears. Every character had their time in the spotlight, no matter how small their role, and it eventually lead to a bigger effect in the story, culminating into all the key players meeting in the same place to finally reveal harsh truths, find justice and peace.

The enemies are fascinating and nuanced. Life for many of these characters was like war and they behaved as if they were fighting a great evil trying to destroy their loved ones. Ultimately, all they did was destroy themselves. And the way the Director Zeng and screenwriter Zou present this point, with visual storytelling and dialogue, it's truly beautiful because you can see and understand the parallels between heroes and the so-called villains. All of these details, makes Zhu Yu my early call as the best drama of 2026.

Overall, Pursuit of Jade is a beautifully made cdrama with strong writing, stunning visuals, thoughtful direction, and a talented cast that truly brings the story to life. Definitely worth watching.

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