Story wise it is nothing new. A girl act as a guy and went to a guy school (not just any normal guy school, this is military school we are talking about). It doesn't make sense how it can happen but oh well this is a drama after all so yeah let's just skip the usual logical sense. Then the main lead knows her true identity and falls in love with her, helping her along the way and always protecting her etc. Although the story is typical but the characters are not. I really like how GYZ's character is written. Funny, smart, loyal, handsome (Basically all the good traits) but also mischievous and playful like a child (sometimes over the top lol). However this is how all the funny scenes happen which I find it really entertaining and not forceful type of comedy that makes me roll my eyes. This is another reason I like it because in between all these action, serious, scheming plots and conspiracy especially during world war times when Japanese army are evil and people are dying everyday, these funny scenes can relief the tension and make the story fun.
As usual, there are plot holes but it is not that serious so I just ignore most of it. I also like that XLC or XX (Bai Lu's character) is a strong woman with brain lol Although guys are always helping and saving her most of the time but she can still stand on her own and get stuff done so it is not those typical damsel in distress character. As her character is acting as a guy, she does it really well. I should say her stylist is good too as she looks great both as a guy and a girl. Nothing much on the story cause during this period is when a lot of rebelling happens, they want their country back but it is not easy. A lot of other countries such as Japan, America, Russian or German are trying to take over and they fight for it with a lot of killings or scheming. Luckily they didn't go with the main leads saving the country story like the usual drama in which the leads always ends up saving the country etc or maybe the history doesn't allow but anyhow they keep it real most of the time.
Acting/Cast is great. Aside from the main couple, I come to like the side characters too. There are quite a few love triangles but I am okay with it because they are clear with who they like and not indecisive who they actually like and go back and forth. At least they don't prolong too much on that and no evil schemes trying to harm the other person that their partner like or something except the antagonist lol. QMT's character is really funny too and I like her a lot along with other classmates from the school and XX's best friend. At first I do feel slightly annoyed with Lee Wen Zhong's character but his character bring laughter along the show and in the end quite likable too so it is okay. STB character is so faithful and I am starting to take note on this actor haha he do looks hot. Director did a good job casting these actors and actresses to their characters and all of them did well. Moreover, Xu Kai and Bai Lu's chemistry is on fire. They act so naturally with each other and brings out their character well. Big part of me liking this drama is because of their chemistry so i guess my review might be a bit biased xD
But one sad thing is they don't really have too much romance scene. You should be warn that there are NO Kiss scenes at all. The most they did was just hugging and holding hands. It is sweet too but as their fans I want more :(
The ending is just somewhat satisfied.
Music is okay. I like all of their OST including open and ending song. One of them is sang by Bai Lu and Xu Kai themselves although it does feel a bit too much of autotune. It sounds nothing much like their voice but the song is nice. However the songs are not use much in the drama. Most of the time are just normal background music that you hear from other shows.
Rewatch value is quite low cause i don't think i will rewatch it unless for some of the main couple's scenes and the story didn't intrigue me much. One thing for sure is that at least it is not too boring. I would give this an OKAY. The story turns out better that i expect so it does boost up some points and I have always like the main couple so I am a bit biased. Other than that nothing much that leaves a big impression.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Great Historical Drama with Fantastic Chemistry and Boss Females throughout the whole series!
First, I found myself googling almost every part of the history of the 21 Demands and the whole Republican Era to understand the context of the drama. This was well done. I loooooove the dyamics between Xu Kai and Bai Lu- they were made for each other. It was a little funny but also tiresome watching her run back and forth to the school to pretend to be her sister because she had three suitors who were initially unaware of her double identity.The comradery was great among the classmates and she held her own and I would definitely want her to be on my team. I was also happy that this drama had very very strong female leads- All three of the bosses were women. Xie Xiang actually ran the military academy even though it was a boys' school.
I liked how they redeemed Li Wen Zhong at the end both in terms of his personality, his love life and his dedication to his friends and to his country. Also Huang Song who had probably the funniest line in the movie when he was getting ready to box the life or death match and he found out who his opponent was going to be, No I won't say it, but I was laughing so hard I spit out my juice. There are some people I wish didn't die, but it is a war movie after all, and I'm not happy with the open ending of Xie Xang and Gu Yan Zhen, I assume they live happily ever after, but it would have been nice to see,
Overall, the ending worked well to tie up the loose ends, and I also want to note that each main character had a true Ride or Die Number 2 and it would be hard to compare them. It was a little long, there were two times that Xie Xiang got kidnapped and both times Gu Yan Zhen was the only one out late looking for her-they could have omitted one of the missing persons routines and it would have still worked.
Really enjoyed it and I'm sorry it took me so long to finally watch it.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Stellar acting and fantastic production delivered an emotional on-point journey
What a thrilling and emotional journey, action-packed and so inspirational. Props to a stellar acting cast, our two main leads did so well, particularly Xu Kai. The story, the premise, the historical setting, the characters were so on-point, I fell in love the first few episodes and couldn’t stop. Literally binged the whole thing in less than a week - it was that good. I rarely touch dramas with more than 30 episodes, but I was hooked on this one. Xu Kai for eye candy haha. Be warned the last 10ish episodes goes to shits and falls apart - structurally - it gets so messy and so much unnecessary death. Let’s break it down:Story
Commend, love the idea and concept. Gender bender’s usually are meh, the girl tries too hard and ends up coming across super phony. But this was good, I was convinced and she held her ground. I loved the premise of military school and going on trips and training exercises, bunking and what not. Liked the little missions, heists and just general school interactions. The good first half is stellar and I would rewatch over and over. Then... come 35 it starts to go shits up and I have no idea what’s happening. Suddenly these subplots come into play and I’m like what..? And then to top it off people start dying left right and centre, for no reason then just because oh yeah there should be a death about now. The whole ending story was super contrived, unbelievable and illogical, with no proper explanation and a lot of plot holes. So please be warned, as you enter the last episodes it gets a bit confusing and feels out of place. I feel like they could have ended it about 40 - just to the bit where they graduate. And then from beyond, it all turns to shit and becomes super unbelievable and muddled.
The romantic side of it is definitely more restrained than what you’d find. It’s more about friendship, commanderie and protecting/caring about others. The love triangles drove me crazy but it was a guilty pleasure watching them, loved all the interactions XLC had with GYZ and SJS. I personally would have liked more from XLC and GYZ, like many others if you didn’t know before, while watching the drama you’d think XLC and SJS are the mains.
Production
Just have to note what style and fashion! Loved the beautiful costume design and get ups, it fit the characters so well: Pinstripe suits with silver chains for SJS; Body length leather jackets and black boots for GYZ; Trench coats and neck ties for XLC.
Acting
Bai Lu held her ground and was amazing in her role. She totally immersed herself as a male and did it very well. Props to her. If I’m nitpicking, two things, her most common phrases are: I can’t be bothered to talk to you and what should we do now? Just came up repetitive and needed more script polishing. I thought her acting was rigid at times and I wanted more from her especially in her emotional scenes, and also because Xu Kai was doing an absolutely amazing job. I fell in love with Xu Kai slowly. He was your typical jokey, playboy, never taking anything serious. But boy did I fall. Seeing him grow, realise his feelings, fight for her, care for her and love her. His acting was superb. From his eyes, I felt what he felt and cried along with him.
Although I have to give SJS some props for his acting, what a tease he wast. He started off super cold and distant, but then started smiling and became so warm. Amazing support cast, they did a spectacular job and it all fell into place. Great characters, great team, lovable.
OST playing on repeat, fit in so well.
Rewatch Value, yes but I’d have to stop at around the 35 mark and end it there. Just felt like the ending few episodes were so messy it ruined a lot of things for me. And it would have just been better if we ended it sooner.
Overall, this drama had me laughing out loud, grinning like an idiot, sobbing like a baby and constantly on my toes with the tension. I commend everything about this drama and would 100% recommend just to watch our two main lead interactions. Keen to hear your thoughts! xx
*SPOILERS* Things to watch for I loved:
- Every time GYZ thinks he has lost her and then finds her again. That relief, care and love made me so emotional. Just from his eyes, I could feel everything he felt. He did it so well in being able to portray that emotion. He just had so much love, it was impossible to contain. And the thought of losing her was just too much, it would impossible to comprehend losing someone you love so much.
- Everytime GYZ protects her identity being blown e.g. shower scene, medical examination
- Everytime GYZ shoots on point
- SJS’s teasing moves to win her over and when he smiles at her
- Piano scene - that did it for me
- When he comes back and tells her it’s because of you I’m in love with you.
- When they’re holding hands at the dinner table
- Button scene
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
First the story. It is a patriotic masterpiece and as a viewer, I realized the energy for the drama comes from the "youth" of resistance. There were lessons to be taught in so many situations that I wondered whether the writer was a revolutionist in his/her youth. Often women are put in roles to portray men and it is so unbelievable the drama is a bust. In this drama the actress was a powerhouse -- man or woman - she could be masculine and feminine without question -- which added to the quality of the drama. The historical period was worth researching just for edification of the "times and circumstances" the Chinese were facing.
The romantic backstories and bantering backward and forwards added to the success of telling a story with a military background.
The use of enough extras to add to the story and move the story forward was extremely pleasing and made the 48 episodes addictive and worth binging throughout the night time hours.
The added emotional investment in the lives of the students, teachers and all of the main characters and their lives or deaths or romantic encounters was the icing on the cake.
Acting - flawless - main, support - no weak links - total professionalism and immersion into the character played. Xu Kia was pure eye candy throughout and you had to fall in love with him.
There was nothing I disliked, I did not fast forward one second, I didn't increase the speed of the drama playing, I rewound often if I missed a sentence. I savored all of the dialogue. I didn't get frustrated because there was an unnecessary filler killing time. There were no moments of saying "that was stupid". This was not a CGI type drama -- it felt so real that you will believe they are actually in 1911 or circa. The authenticity of costumes and cars and building and almost everything was carefully studied and again added to the "10" rating.
Music was appropriate and coordinated with the theme.
Rewatch -- a YES!! This drama shot up to one of my top 10 and will be one of my most memorable ones and one to recommend to others. Quality is rare in drama land and it is often overshadowed by compromises. I felt like there were no compromises made to tell this story. The spirit of justice and patriotism is a worthy winner.
Definitely WATCH!!!!
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Must Watch
I was looking for a gender-bender drama and found this. I was already a Fan of Bai Lu after watching the Legends.In this drama, I got more than I was looking for, loved the acting of all cast, started liking "Xu Kai" and "Wu Jia Yi".
Amazing gender-bender drama with great acting. Love the action and romance scenes.
The storyline was great.
Like the OST as well. One of my Fav Chinese dramas and I have watched it more than 5 times.
The struggle that the Fl goes through and becomes more strong over a period of time.
Got to see a new side of Xu Kai as an actor, he can be so funny and serious at the same time, like the various expressions he makes.
At the same time started liking Wu Jia Yi as an actress, if you like her in this drama then you must see her drama "Dance of the Empire". you will a different side of her and her pairing with Xu Kai was good as well.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
This drama also has comedy scenes that is so funny HAHAHA I will still laugh after rewatching them.
Highly recommended! The casts acted very well with their roles whether is the support role or the main role suited them very well.
Sadly the girl for the main character has to cut her hair up for this but still....this is the third drama I watched with her in it, i am still impressed, this time she has to mostly act with a group of guys and AS a guy is really tough...no harm watching.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Wow! Just wow!
This has been one of the best cdramas I’ve seen. Brilliant acting, storyline and pace. Humour, romance (without the cringe factor), love triangle, action, political conspiracy - its got it all. The acting was spot on. The FL nailed the girl pretending to be a man character. I never felt like this show dragged. The opening credit soundtrack was so good I actually found myself not skipping (which I usually do).Two negatives 1) overuse of flashbacks 2) you need to ignore discrepancies/plausibility throughout. If you can ignore them it’ll be a better experience.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Of course, the best part of this drama is the undeniable chemistry between Bai Lu and Xu Kai. Don't know what makes them so amazing onscreen but this couple is DYNAMITE. They are independently solid actors - I mean, watching Xu Kai play Gu Yanzhen after watching him as Mo Qing/Li Chenlan in Legends I was thrown by how different the characters were. Xu Kai did such a great job as Gu Yanzhen that I couldn't have ever imagined him playing a character like Mo Qing. Just some great natural talent. As for Bai Lu - let me just say she is just mesmerizing to look at. She is naturally just so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off of her. AND her short hair looks stunning on her. She was fantastic as Xie Liangchen/Xie Xiang - her acting scenes were so good I'd love to see her in more action dramas. I personally thought Xu Kai's onscreen charisma as Gu Yanzhen outshined her just a tiny bit but she definitely held her own spotlight. When these two were on screen together, it was captivating to watch.
I'm not sure how I'd feel watching them with other actors - for example, I watched Xu Kai in Yanxi Palace and his acting was good but I just didn't get the same level of chemistry and flow and acting in that one as I did when I watched him acting with Bai Lu. Some actors just sync really well with a particular actor I guess. They just draw out each other's talent to its best. Just for Xu Kai and Bai Lu, this drama is DEFINITELY worth watching.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
please watch all im on my knees
The acting is always the most important aspect, and the entire cast carried out the story's emotions perfectly. I watched "The Legends" starring the same main leads before watching this show, and I immediately binged all of their dramas. Unlike many actors who are only casted for face value and fanbase, they literally work so hard for their roles, and their chemistry is just through the roof.ACTING
Bai lu (FL) actually cut her hair for the role, and many of the male actors did weeks of intense training prior to the shoot to prepare for their roles. It's refreshing to see actors who are willing to dedicate themselves to the scripts once in a while since many dramas have lazy actors who use stunt doubles for the most harmless scenes and never care about the script. I feel like xukai and bailu match perfectly in both of their main lead dramas because they are open people. I wasn't annoyed by a single side cast member, since they all played their roles perfectly and genuinely.
SETTING
The story is good, but it is understandable if some may drop the show. Many people only look for rom com dramas and may not like the political/military aspects of the show, but for me it's like a bonus. It's plausible for a show based on the previous century to accurately display past events and perfectly weaving it with the plot. For context, China did not have military forces such as they do now, thus the people were constantly in fear of foreign invasions. In the early 1900s, Japan was formidably powerful and attempted to invade China and control/influence its people. The title, Arsenal Military Academy, is the name of the military school where the main leads attend to fight for their country. I was never truly enticed by the military aspect, but the emotions of loss and will to fight are shown through the bits and pieces of historical events.
GENRES
Besides the military aspects, AMA is also a romcom action drama. The romance in the show is refreshing, as in the characters remain sane throughout the plot without doing absurdly underhanded things (historical drama watchers ykwim). There are many sweet moments that are actually relevant to the plot and not thrown in there like fanservice. Obviously the romance isn't over quickly since there are 48 episodes, but the gradual development of feelings between the characters is so satisfying to watch. The comedy in the show is just perfect. It contributes to the lighthearted/silly tone of the drama's first half, which balances out the intense and tearjerking action scenes. The expressions of all the cast members are very comical, and they click together like friends in real life. Watching this show had me simultaneously crying laughing screaming and pacing around (could be caused by sleep deprivation, but it genuinely evoked so many emotions in me). The action scenes of a military drama obviously include guns and swords etc. I don't believe there is excessive gore in this show, but some may be sensitive to the sight of blood (warning, mild gore like gun wounds or scars). The fight scenes were always filled with suspense, and honestly they were choreographed perfectly. To sum it up, the genres all blend well with the plot and will send you on an emotional roller coaster.
MUSIC
I literally created a spotify podcast just to upload the ost for my pleasure. The ost is on spotify, but I'm pretty sure it is only available in mainland china. The main song, Dreaming, is sung by the two main leads. Their voices match so well and the intro of violins and violas or wtv the instruments are sounds like the ascension to heaven. Unlike historical dramas (dynasty periods), there aren't a long list of 4 minute songs that each match with one romance scene, but the discography is still enjoyable. Only complaint is that they should have made more music with those same artists bc it's just too heavenly. After watching all 48 episodes, hearing the songs makes me recall each scene and look at the ceiling and start reminiscing.
REWATCH
Personally, I rewatch dramas right after finishing them in case I missed any information. Often times, watching through the whole drama will help you better understand past scenes, and that feeling of "ohhh damnnn thats what that meant" is nice. Not even joking I've rewatched this drama start to end at least 5 times without skipping, which is rare since I drop shows quickly usually. All the aspects of the show are a 10 to me except this one and it's a 9.5 for rewatching because certain suspense in the show is built up by not knowing the true criminal or the true story etc. It is still enjoyable to watch nonetheless.
SUMMARY
That was too long, I wouldn't even read all of that again. To sum it up, I feel sorry for those who turn away from the drama due to its unique plotline because it actually is such a lifechanging experience. My only complaint with the show is that a few scenes were cut out due to censorship in China (not a big deal, all can be found on yt, but kinda sad). Acting is perfect, story is perfect, music is perfect, watching this show is like therapeutic. PLEASE WATCH WITHOUT DROPPING LIKE EVEN IF ONE PART SEEMS BORING JUST KEEP PUSHING ITLL BE WORTH IT TRUST
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
A Slow Burn Romance but You Will Experience a Charismatic Cast of Characters
If you're looking for a thought provoking show or logical analysis behind scenes that transpire, don't expect much here. If you are looking for romance and expect the main leads to be in love and for it to ooze in each section of the screen, please do not look here. If you are looking to see the main male lead to be seen in majority of the show, please don't look here.What Arsenal Military Academy lacked in a logical and consistent plot made for it in strong characters that undergoes serious developmental growth.
Acting/Cast:
Everyone has mentioned the two main leads being in a previous show, but I was only interested because of Xu Kai and watching him in Yanxi Palace. If it wasn't for the fact that Xu Kai made Gu Yan Zheng such a hilarious, arrogant, goofy, childish, hearty, flirty, loving, cool, and smug character, I would have given up watching this show halfway. His character has been done before but Xu Kai portrayal of him, was completely new and not seen before. I can honestly say that he made Gu Yan Zheng his own. The flaws in his character could be the childish nature, but it was the brute honesty of his childishness that made him refuse and decline the second female lead efforts and affection. His childishness also add a dash of humor and it showed the stark contrast of his growth as he became determined , patriotic, and serious in protecting the people he loved.
On the other hand, Bai Lu played an amazing role as Xie Xiang/Xie LiangChen. Her loyalty to her friends, her guts, and trying to find herself after her brother passed away was one of the highlight points of her character. However, her character began to annoy me, especially how she treated the male lead during the second half of the drama. Someone mention there were cut scenes of the leads, and if that is so, that would make sense to the lack of romantic interactions.
Shen Jun Shan became an annoyance to painstakingly irritating. I was confused about his character and how he knew Xie Xiang’s brother. I was confused about his feelings for the female lead in the first half, and looked like it was going to go a different direction with Xian Rong and wish at most, that they did get tied into a forbidden romance, rather than see him exert himself in pursuing the female lead. However, his character was the typical cold and standoffish at first and slowly opens up to the people around him. The actor did a phenemonal job, just that the character in itself and excessive screen space, left a distaste in my mouth.
Supporting Characters/Actors:
I have to say that Liu Si Bo, who played Huang Song, blew me away. I loved his friendship with Xie Xiang but surprisingly loved it even more with Gu YanZheng. He was naïve, innocent, loyal, an truly honest. Most of his interactions with Xie Xiang dressed up as a girl was just purely gold….if it wasn’t because of Xu Kai, I would have shipped her with him instead.
Music:
I really liked the music, it didn’t overpower the scene, nor was it used to wring out an emotion. It was tastefully done. I always loved it when they used the background beats whenever Xie Xiang and the rest of the guys will walk into the scene.
Overall:
I wouldn’t personally sit down and watch this show all over again. However, I would watch the scenes between the leads and the friendship amongst the rest of the supporting characters. However, the excessive screen time of the second male lead had me grow a distaste to his character and to most of the second half of the show. I would recommend if not alone for the humor, comedy, and friendships. If you are an avid romance lover and looking for a followup from their previous show called “The Legends” you will NOT find that passion here. Instead enjoy a cute and slow burn, very slow burn, romance that will make you cry, laugh, and at the same time hide away in embarrassment. Its an overall good show.
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
I love it! I love it! I love it!
I love this drama and I want to shout it out loud and proud! This drama is by far one of the best dramas that I have watched and I have watched many. There are some wonderful dramas that one will remember fondly for a long time to come and this drama is one of these beautiful and memorable gems!I want to recommend this drama to everyone! If you love Crash Landing, you’ll love this too!
This drama is So Good + So Awesome + So Thrilling + So Exciting + So Cute + So Heartbreaking = A MUST WATCH!
All drama lovers, pls watch this!!
Watch because:
- the cast is beyond great; everyone acted so well
- plot is a exciting and has elements of fun and cute mixed with suspense and action
- plot is fast moving enough and things are well explained
- male lead Xu Kai as Gu Yan Zhen is so cute and lovable; my first time watching this actor and I’m rather in love
- other actors are well cast and all act their parts very well
- female lead does a good job as Xie Liang Chen and Xie Xiang; she’s likable throughout
- story builds up well and I really loved Shen Ting Bai and Qu Man Ting; he’s a handsome and capable man cum sincere lover boy and she’s a ‘live in her own world’ but worldly wise lass
- the music is great and I’ve been listening to the OST over and over again
- revenge executed and justice served
- a somewhat happy enough ending
What I didn’t like:
- the villains are really (for the lack of a better word) villainous
- Oda Xian Rong should have died long long time ago; she’s beyond hateful and annoying: hate her smug look and jester-like smiles
- good people die - Huang Song died, General Guo died, Li Wen Zhong died ... like OMG. Heartbreaking.
Overall, this is an Excellent, Remarkable, Outstanding, Well-Made drama that deserves to be enjoyed by drama lovers! If you are considering this drama, stop deliberating and Start Watching it right now!
I’m going to indulge in the OST and the watchable moments all over again! :) :)
Esta resenha foi útil para você?
