Beautiful drama with twists and turns
The first thing that strikes me with this drama is the aesthetics, it really lives up to the expectations that I got when seeing the trailer earlier this year. The mixture of darkness, the light snow and the striking mountain setting is very appealing and combined with the suggestive music choice and excellent lighting, it shapes a masterpiece.We get to follow the orphaned low level female assassin Yun Wei Shan, portrayed by Esther Yu, when she is infiltrating the Gong martial arts family’s stronghold. Her mission is unknown to the viewer but she comes well prepared by her handler. She arrives as one of many bridal choices for the young master Gong Huan Yu. Things gets complicated when the family discovers that there is an assassin among the brides. The kind but idle and immature Gong Zi Yu takes action to save the lives of these brides and things get complicated from here. A bond starts to form between Yun Wei Shan and Gong Zi Yu and she gets involved in the dangerous power struggle between the Gong brothers.
The director Edward Guo utilizes the natural elements to their fullest and the cinematography gives us stunning visuals and helps build tension in a remarkable way. I also think that the costume choices and styling feels creative and fresh. I’ve noticed this costume designer Huang Wei for a while now and she always delivers top of the art. The art direction is beautiful and even if I recognize mist of the locations from other dramas, they are now showed in a new light with fresh angles.
Another great thing is the music. The song choices are good and the instrumental pieces are suggestive and contributes to create anticipation and tension. One thing I noticed is the sound editing. I don’t know the techniqal term but let’s call it sound imaging. For example when one of the brothers remember a painful event from his past, we get to hear a large door close, but the door isn’t real, it’s in his heart.
The experienced and skilled older brother Gong Shang Jue is like a volcano about to erupt. He keeps all his feelings inside him but his face reveals plenty, and during the drama he shows more and more of his emotions. He is portrayed by Ryan Cheng who makes his best role this far in his career. He really nails everything about this tormented young man with the most emotions revealing eyes. I’m happy to know this talented actor has many main roles in his future plans. I’m looking forward to see what else he can accomplish in the future.
The third brother, the poison expert Gong Yuan Zhi is played by Tian Jia Rui. This role is his first ever and he excels in conveying the younger brother who is devoted to his idolized brother Shang Jue. I’m very impressed with this newcomer and how he can show the entire register of emotions.
The last main character is played by Lu Yu Xiao. She plays the bride to be for Shang Jue, Shangguan Qian, and she delivers a character with great depth that switches from cold to pitiful and back in an amazing way.
The acting in this drama is top notch with stellar performances from all the main actors/actresses and as a viewer I often wonder about what’s going on inside the characters heads. The script comes with a few surprises that shocks the viewer and threw me from hope to devastation a few times. The great acting and unpredictable script make me question everything in this drama and I’m constantly on edge about what’s going to happen. The tension is unbelievable and still I wouldn’t mind more if it.
The only thing I don’t find perfect in this drama is the comedy part delivered by the Gong sister which is a bit exaggerated and feels displaced. I understand the need for some comic relief from all the tension but the way it’s done here makes me a bit annoyed. In the middle of the drama the tempo slows down and a lot of the built up tension disappears, but it finds its way back in the last episodes. The ending has been debated a lot, and I actually like the idea of it although I think it was a bit rushed.
I love this drama and will surely watch it again within a year. Can’t wait to see the next drama from the director and I am very curious about what the main actors will do next.
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A Masterpiece to be enjoyed slowly
This drama definitely deserves a 10/10. The best drama I ever watched !My review is a simple consideration to ensure that the rating is not lowered by the expectations of someone looking for something else.
If you're looking for a romantic drama with a couple of doves... don't watch it!
If you're looking for a basic drama to watch at double speed... don't watch it!
If you are looking for a drama with only 2 protagonists and unimportant side stories with mediocre actors who glorify the protagonists.... don't watch it!
If you are looking for a drama with a complex story that keeps you in suspense where all the actors play an important role in the unfolding of the plot without useless dialogues.... watch it!
If you're looking for a drama with incredible production, great actors, breathtaking visuals and an amazing soundtrack.... WATCH IT !!
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A Journey to be Remembered
From the beginning, this drama is different. The storyline is like a labyrinth. It takes you down the winding paths of scheming and deceit, and keeps you guessing at every turn if reality meets appearance. As the viewer, you sometimes wish you were perched up high upon the maze, so you can figure out the fate of those lost within it, yet you are made to walk alongside the characters until they reach the exit.The dark hues of the lens, the riveting storyline, the elaborate costumes, the perfectly matched music and the daily dose of cliffhanger brings together a story that may not be perfectly executed, but is close enough.
The characters in this drama are multifaceted and the cast who play both the main and supporting roles all skilfully portray their respective parts with depth.
With much gratitude to the director, cast and staff for bringing its viewers on a very memorable journey.
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A Spy's Emotional Odyssey
"The Journey to You" combines intense intrigue with a deeply emotional journey. Yun Wei Shan's character breaks the mold of the traditional spy, blending vulnerability with cunning, making her journey inside the Gong residence both thrilling and moving. The house itself is almost a character on its own, shrouded in mystery and constantly challenging Yun Wei Shan's wits.Her evolving relationship with Gong Zi Yu stands out. Their dynamics are compelling to watch. The series manages to beautifully blend romance, friendship, and personal growth against a backdrop of danger and intrigue. Some subplots may occasionally meander, but overall, the storyline remains tight and captivating.
The cinematography deserves commendation, capturing both the grandeur and the lurking threats within the Gong residence. While some characters could benefit from deeper development, the lead duo offers a strong and engaging performance. The OST is fitting, even if not particularly memorable.
For those seeking a blend of romance, action, and self-discovery, "The Journey to You" is a commendable pick.
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Give it back to me ..........i mean the time i spent watching this drama!
Soooo! this drama.... i'm usually the type to drop a drama if not interested after the first 2 episodes at most. But since people kept saying that it would get better and i was also curious about the story, i kept watching.... BAD IDEA, REALLY BAD IDEA..The first 15 episodes were boring as hell, i will also say this is the first time and also the last time i take a WHOLE MONTH to watch a drama, knowing that i was binge-watching it.
The second part was better, but the PLOT-HOLES guysssss! We people are not stupid, we actually have brains and think a lot, so many things didn't make sense, and the cliff hanger at the end...., like i could tell something like this would happen, and they should have able to see this coming, since there were a lot of scheming from both sides, i will stop ranting here....
The main couple was kind of mehh, i will not really remember their CP. But the second lead's couple actually had some nice chemistry, i hoped they actually got a nice closure, but again, if the main couple didn't get it, i guess it would have been too much to hope for the second lead's couple to have one lol.
Do i recommend this drama? ...No i don't! because weighting the pros and cons, i think i could have watched a better drama, or even more dramas, and now i can't get back the time i spent watching it. For me a 6.5/10, and i'm being nice lol
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A good overall story
My Journey To You can be viewed a few different ways: 1) a story of an assassins' mission to infiltrate the Gong Family, 2) a story of an immature, laid back heir thrown into leadership and being forced to develop into a true leader, 3) a story of the tumultuous incidents happening within the Gong walls and the reactions by various characters within those walls.In my opinion, the third option gives the most satisfactory story and conclusion, whereas the first and second can either be debated or can be viewed as unresolved and even unfulfilled.
I give a 9 to the story on the third point, even though there are still loose ends (two deaths are not explained, one is semi-explained but is very odd and suspicious, the other is just shown with no explanation--chances are both are tied to same person, but we will never know), as well as some suspension of disbelief (quick bride selection towards the end--both sides should've been suspicious of the other, but suddenly there is no protocol, no security, etc--should've been a red flag to the other side).
To the second point, whether the heir truly ever grew into a great leader, or rather just a competent one would be determined by fans' subjectivity. His ultimate show of brilliance is questionable because of what his reasoning and main goals were, and whether his plan was truly a win for his family, and not just a win for his love-life at the cost of some very important lives--to the point where the whole structure of the Gong Family has been changed.
He did become a capable enough person that will be respected in holding the title, but whether his strategic prowess should be respected is up for debate.
To the First point, we are still not completely clear on all aspects of the assassin's mission and whether or not she ultimately failed or succeeded for herself.
A shame the director didn't dare enough to have a specified ending, instead of an OE. Maybe he himself doesn't know what the answer is. Second Season excuse is just an excuse. An ending for a second season would be a cliffhanger, where the audience would be privy to a revelation that will lead into the next season. Not a cowardly direction to just leave the audience hanging, not even revealing to actors what they're supposed to be reacting to.
Then again, perhaps the OE was the only way the story could be told and viewed from other perspectives. And I appreciate the director and script for not falling into fan-services; but rather showed a Male Lead who is not always correct, and validated the characters whom the ML saw as foes instead of villainizing them or having their abilities be deemed lesser than ML.
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A unique, unforgettable cdrama
Amazing martial arts choreography, breathtaking cinematography, and a compelling spy assassin storyline = a cdrama that is unique and unforgettable. It will feed your inner demon with the delicious darkness that lingers in each well-crafted scene. If you're craving comedy, there are unexpected hilarious scenes that will make you chuckle in memory.Romance is aplenty with 4 CPs, and you can choose to ship your sweet, heartwarming CP, your spicy hot CP, your adorable CP and/or your star-crossed CP.
Also, the excellent acting from an eye candy cast is just the lovely cherry on top! Enjoy watching!!
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One of the best of 2023!
This is not your typical idol drama but it's definitely an eye candy fest. You'll see many so many familiar good looking actors/actresses all gathered in 1 drama.This is a quality production in a very dark setting. Ep 1 instantly got me hooked with the female assassin concept which remotely reminded me of Bloody Romance. The cinematography, CGI & fight scenes are all really good.
Make up on the MLs are a bit overwhelming but it works well on the FLs with the dark costumes. Costume designs are very beautiful with lots of black and fine gold detailing. Even the plain monk costumes you can see the fabric texture detailing. Quite impressive.
Storytelling & dialogue is engaging to where full attention is required at least the first 1/2. Story revolves some power struggles , murder mysteries, assassin frenemies making me wish this series is longer than just 24 eps.
Only parts I don't care for is the sister of ML. OTP forced humor feels out of place for this drama. A few lines were funny I admit but most I can do without. 2nd half though she did grow on me to my surprise. It's been a while since I loved almost every character and every fight scene!
Overall:
2nd FL & 2ML out acted the ML & FL
2ML's brother makes a great trio dynamic
Ending is.... tragically messy to the land of no where. Hoping S2 will magically appear one day and answer all unanswered questions.........................
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My Journey to another Journey...
I am missing some romance and believe this drama is incomplete but it was very dark and pretty to look at.The female lead has more or less one expression which is kind pf refreshing while our male lead is bubbly and full of joy and charisma. The side characters are part interesting part annoying. But work pretty well there are a few to many recaps as well as some never ending monologs that felt like the writers took a short cut instead of letting us see the actual plot as it unfolded we got some kind of mess and recap instead.
Some part of the dialog/whispers where so predictable I found myself mumbling them in Mandarin (though I do not speak Mandarin). Other parts came seemingly out of nowhere. The side couple have some pretty decent dynamics but the villains are underdeveloped and even though they seem to try to explain them to us it ended up just confusing taking away most of the exitement leaving me with the feeling of meeh...
Not to mention the show of romance was so little I believe it should be removed from the genres and added to the tags with slight romance.
That said it is an okay watch with pretty scenery, pretty people and probably more poison's and elixirs than all the wuxias of 2024 will have combined.
Leaving me with the questions: Will there be a second season? will that season have as much poison and scheming or will they move on to fire and smoke?
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Infinite Heat < Infinite Slo-mo action sequences
Lots of beautiful looking people. Choreography is amazing. Sets and costumes are all well designed. Lu Yu Xiao (2FL) did amazingly well, my first time seeing her. I really hope she pops off and gets a more main role, because she deserved it.The sets remind me of Song of Glory and Jade Dynasty, it is so artificially looking, it looks funky. Albeit beautiful, but cannot be immersed in, as it looks too fake. Story seems like it could be a 3 hours movie that expanded to 24 episodes. Usually the 2ML is written to make the ML look good, but it seems like this is the reverse in this drama. Honestly disappointed in how they wrote the ML. 2ML is intelligent, ambitious, and scheming. While ML is more of: Yun Wei Shan, Yun Wei Shan, Oh- Father and Brother died, Yun Wei Shan, Yun Wei Shan, Yun Wei Shan, Oh wait, I'm supposed to be the Sword Wielder, Yun Wei Shan, Yun Wei Shan. The definition of a simp. Honestly comical. 2ML is more towards the family, and its responsibilities. He’s like a general, he’s rough and tough, but his loyalty is to the house. As far as the ML goes, he’s just really infatuated with the FL, really doesn’t deserve the position. Idk what the writer was thinking when writing the character. I think after 10-15 episodes, we can see some smartness in him, after like half the series. But honestly, it's really dull to me.
The dynamic with ML couples and 2ML couples is that the ML couples are ‘soft’, have a soft spot for personal relationships and don’t want to involve the innocent. While the 2ML couples are ‘hard’; use whatever means necessary to achieve what is needed. Who said the Gong’s mansion was hard to infiltrate? Just send 2 beautiful and smart women in and TA-DA. If it wasn’t for 2ML, Gong’s family would have been destroyed in under 10 episodes, but then again, we wouldn't have a drama to watch :D.
As for the actors/actresses, they all did well for their role. I had high hopes going in, with a rating of 8.7. But the rating is probably inflated due to how well it was filmed, the actors and actresses, and how beautiful everything looks.
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Disappointed and annoyed
I was hooked watching this drama from the first episode. The story was interesting, dark, suspenseful, spy movie. I love ZLH and Esther Yu. But oh man, it was all spoiled after I watched the last episode 24. I thought there was episode 25 that I’m missing. But alas, no. Episode 24 was the last one. No special episode after that. No epilogue. No plan for season 2. This drama disappointed me so much I felt so cheated. No sad or happy ending. No open ending that makes you think of possibilities. Nothing to stretch your imagination. It’s as if the whole production was cancelled, the staff packed up and went home. The story has NO ENDING! And I’m still scratching my head asking myself why was this show like that. I will not recommend this at all.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
