Zhu Lian Yu Mu (2024)

Eu esperava muito desse drama, pois Liu Yu Ning e Zhao Lu Si roubaram as cenas dos protagonistas em The long ballad, mas o roteiro não colaborou para as belas atuações dos atores. A edição parece um amontoado de cenas, algumas muito mal acabadas. Já assisti outros trabalhos do mesmo diretor e eram bons, mas nesse ele errou em cheio. As canções que compõem a trilha sonora são agradáveis, mas não foram bem utilizadas, gerando pouco ou nenhum impacto na emoção das cenas. Na cena em que são emboscados ao sair da fortaleza, desconfiei que Yu Chi Wu Yi era o traidor, portanto, nenhuma surpresa nos capítulos finais, o mesmo aconteceu aconteceu com o príncipe Ying, quando eles chegam em Yangzhou e ficam sabendo que Xu Nan Ying foi nomeado para um alto cargo pelo príncipe, tinha certeza que ele estava envolvido no massacre da família Yan, portanto, nenhuma surpresa quando isso é confirmado no final. A morte do protagonista masculino eram favas contadas e eu esperava uma cena emocionante, mas não houve, ao contrário, somente o anel dele no dedo dela dá a entender que ele morreu ou foi embora para morrer longe dela. O final pode ser comparado a água: incolor, insípido e inodoro.
Só consegui assistir aos 40 capítulos pelo mérito das excelentes atuações dos atores.

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The Story of Pearl Girl is Trully Masterpiece

The drama was truly outstanding, an unforgettable experience from start to finish. It combined a gripping story with exceptional performances that brought each character to life in a way that felt raw and real. The cinematography was breathtaking, with stunning visuals that drew you into each scene, making every moment feel immersive and vivid. The soundtrack was equally impressive, perfectly matched to the emotions of each scene, heightening the drama and adding depth to the storytelling. Overall, the film was masterfully crafted, leaving a lasting impact and reminding viewers of the power of great cinema. It’s the kind of movie that resonates with you long after the credits roll.

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An Emotional Rollercoaster Worth Riding

This drama grabs you from the first scene and refuses to let go, keeping your heart racing long after the credits roll. It’s the kind of story that leaves fingerprints on your soul.

Duan Wu: She’s a force of nature. Fierce, street-smart, and unshaken by challenges—yet there’s a vulnerability in her innocence about life beyond the pearl farm. She’s the girl who punches first and figures out the rest later, and honestly, it works. Hardworking and fearless, but not invincible, her flaws make her real and relatable. Watching her grow into someone even stronger, someone more aware and mature, yet still kind at her core—it’s a transformation so raw and profound, it’s like witnessing a pearl form under pressure.

Yan Zi Jing: Oh, the layers. He’s sharp, complex, and burdened by a past that’s as heavy as it is painful. Living in the grey areas of morality, he’s ruthless when he has to be but still clings to shreds of humanity, refusing to lose himself completely. He’s the guy who looks ridiculously good while taking down enemies and even better while side-eyeing the FL’s stubbornness. A total tsundere, he pretends to be indifferent but sees her in ways that matter. His evolution? Breathless. Watching him rediscover his humanity and love is mesmerizing.

Zhang Jin Ran: The unsung hero. Kind, optimistic, and oh-so-easy to root for. He’s the guy who holds up the light in a dark world, even when it flickers. His hero complex might annoy some, but it’s laced with such genuine care that you can’t help but adore him. His journey from idealistic to grounded is realistic. Honestly? One of the best-written second leads.

Antagonists and Villains: Deliciously dark and grey. The kind that get under your skin, making you rage one second and admire their complexity the next. A perfectly woven balance of evil and intrigue. With a few wicked redemption arcs thrown in.

Acting: Zhao Lusi’s growth as an actress is evident; she’s more captivating than ever here. Her abilities are stronger, more powerful, and stable throughout the drama. She’s mesmerizing, with her emotions hitting you like tidal waves—raw, beautiful, and unrelenting. First time watching Liu Yuning, and he’s impressive—he brings believable subtle emotions and totally owns a tortured, morally grey character that is borderline red flag. His quiet intensity and tortured eyes carrying so much weight, you feel it in your chest. And Tang Xiaotian? Solid and nuanced, keeping his character compelling without overshadowing.

Plot: Fast-paced and brutally real. It’s a story that isn’t afraid to dive into the shadows—exploring slavery, resilience, and redemption with unflinching honesty. The imagery is vivid and unforgettable, lingering like a bittersweet echo. At its heart, it explores the unbreakable bonds of family—the ties that anchor us, but also the ones that weigh us down when love and revenge collide. It’s about a love so deep and unwavering it defies logic, carving through pain and misunderstandings to prove that sometimes, love is not just a feeling but also a choice. Betrayals cut like knives, their sting magnified by the trust that preceded them, and redemption feels hard-earned—messy, imperfect, and profoundly human. This isn’t just a tale of good versus evil; it’s a reflection of life’s grey areas, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and every choice carries a price.

Chemistry: Fire. Between the Duan Wu and Yan Zi Jing, it’s charged with simmering heat, the kind that makes you lean closer to the screen. And with the Zhang Jin Ran, it’s tender and heartwarming. Even the bromance between Yan Zi Jing and Zhang jin Ran was heartwarming. Lusi and Yuning’s connection, obvious and through the roof. Yuning's eyes are so expressive and matches Lusi's intensity. Their height difference? Dreamy. Their comfort with each other brings every romantic scene to life in a way that feels seamless and positively electric.

Cinematography & OST: A feast for the senses. Stunning visuals set the tone, and the music? Hauntingly beautiful, amplifying every emotion.

In short: This drama doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into its world, holds your heart hostage, and leaves you grateful for the experience. Watch it. Feel it. Love it.

PS:
The ending made every moment precious and worth it. A Walk to Remember left a lasting impression on me, but The Story of Pearl Girl takes it a step further, its finale is unforgettable. Duan Wu and Yan Zi Jing were dealt some of the harshest cards in life, yet they played them with fierce determination. They didn’t just survive, they lived and loved with all they had, defying every hardship thrown their way.

In the end, their dreams weren’t just fulfilled; they were brought to life in each other’s embrace. Their time together may have been fleeting, but it was luminous, filled with memories that eternity itself couldn’t erase. Their story showed something profound: life is brief, fragile, and unpredictable. But in the moments we do have, we can choose to love deeply, live boldly, and create something timeless. Duan Wu and Yan Zi Jing didn’t just exist - they made every second count.

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ABOUT THE ROMANCE....

Touted as a female-centric drama, The Story of Pearl Girl tells the story of Duanwu's journey from slave girl to entrepreneur. It is a story of hope, perseverance, and resilience. Zhao Lusi's portrayal of the growth of her character from one whose actions came from desperation for freedom to one who uses her prosperity to help other women was captivating. Lusi as a versatile actress is well known. I am not part of any one fandom and have several other actresses I enjoy watching, but I have to say that I cannot imagine another actress in this role. She was outstanding!

One expert in the field of TV and communications noted that "the drama opens up a new direction for the transformation of female-oriented dramas... as there is an awakening of women's consciousness, shifting from a desire to watch love stories to that of watching business dramas. " Well, not me. As much as I enjoy an interesting business drama, I enjoy love stories more. For more details such as expert feedback, background, production, and all things The Story of Pearl Girl please see Frost-edelweiss' companion piece. Just copy and paste the following link or you can find it in discussions at the top of the TSOPG forum. https://mydramalist.com/discussions/zhu-lian-yu-mu/131556-the-story-of-pearl-girl-companion-piece.


Romance....

I felt the tension between the leads long before they got together. Lusi and Liu Yuning's chemistry captivated me in such a way that I have never wanted so much for a happy ending. Their relationship did not start with love at first sight...even though I saw a l flicker of interest in Yan Zi Ying's eyes when he saw the beautiful Duanwu in her pearl dance. Their earlier relationship was not one of equality and YZJ was not the gentle hero. You might even find him cruel and unyielding at first but you will come to understand him. The relationship developed at a steady pace. Duanwu's quick mind allowed her to keep up with YZJ. It was obvious he found her fascinating and smart. And little by little he gave in to her wishes. But he also allowed her to learn and to grow on her own. I don't know at what point he realized he loved her, but watching this big tough man fall in love to the point her closeness unnerved him, was endearing in itself. I am unsure if it was character or actor, but the way YZJ held Duanwu's hands, smiled at her, and simply engulfed her in his protective arms melted my heart. And perhaps it wasn't just him, but the chemistry between Lusi and Liu Yuning that made it so special. Viewers have to see for themselves, but anyone who has watched Lusi before will not be surprised. This is my second drama with Liu Yuning as the ML and I find myself loving him the more I watch him. And yes, there are kiss scenes...special kiss scenes...special to their unique chemistry.

While TSOPG is said to NOT be romance centered, it was the love...the chemistry... between YZJ and Duanwu that held me captivated. To me, their relationship was the center. Meeting YZJ, set off a series of events that led to Duanwu's character growth. There were times he watched her fail, and times he helped her. Watch for those little quirks of his lips whenever she succeeds. You will see that he fell first. Duanwu was too busy trying to achieve freedom. I felt the romance every time the leads were together. There is a separation after episode 18, but it doesn't last long and even before the misunderstanding is cleared up, they still see each other. There was never a doubt that YZJ still cared for Duanwu. The lull in their relationship allowed for the FL to grow in her efforts following the ideals of female empowerment. Yes, the plot was interesting and it was gratifying to see Duanwu's resilience and intelligence result in her success as an entrepreneur. BUT it was the chemistry of this couple that had me so invested in this drama that I had ONE WISH! Both Duanwu and YZJ suffered many losses. I wanted them to be happy at the end.


The Ending (SPOILER)

I have no regrets watching The Story of Pearl Girl. It was a beautiful journey. And beautifully performed. Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning went beyond expectations. While Duanwu and Yan Zi Ying were able to achieve goals and take fate into their own hands, there were some things they could not change. It was heartbreaking to see the dignity in their acceptance that YZJ was going to die. He decided to leave as he did not want her to see him die. He wanted so much to be with her, so it was heartbreaking to see his selflessness even as he cried. It was heartbreaking to see the composure that Duanwu held together for so long fall apart as she asked him not to leave her. But it was beautiful to see the way they were in their last scene. It was when they finally faced the truth together. YZJ didn't have to hide his health from Duanwu, and she no longer had to pretend she didn't know while doing everything she could to help him. Only then did they share their pain. I like to think perspectives changed once it was all in the open. Perhaps YZJ did not leave Duanwu behind. She wished to see the world with him and she told him. She might have convinced him to let her go with him. We don't know how much of an open ending we can see this to be, but knowing Duanwu, she had always been able to sway YZJ to see her way at some point. We do know at the end, that she declined the position as head of the guild so she could travel. Some might say the gradual build-up to finally facing the truth together, sharing the pain, and then shifting to Duanwu receiving recognition for her accomplishments was beautifully done.


But.... I detest sad endings. And I detest open endings. Good for those who feel the ending works for them. Even though I see how beautifully it was done and appreciate the performances of both Liu Yuning and Zhao Lusi I still need to ask, "Wèishéme?" Why? Why couldn't they have had their happy ending? Why must we watch 40 episodes of ups and downs, be dragged for almost 22 episodes hoping for the cure only to find it was hopeless? And why did they make this couple so loving that we feel invested in their outcome? They deserved their happiness. We deserve our happiness! His death was not necessary to show female empowerment or that Duanwu could do this on her own. She had already proven her resilience and capabilities. I gave TSOPG 10s for everything except rewatch value which I put as 9 at first. Then I changed it to a 10 after writing this review because I miss them. Needless to say, I have already rewatched the final episode several times looking for answers. My heart aches and it is hard to move on. They made me love them ....


Liu Yuning sings the OST "Only Wish." Visit Peachey Blossom's The Story of Pearl Girl Full OST video: https://youtu.be/oNvhO0pbO-4 to listen to Liu Yunings beautiful voice. The lyrics show life and death are two extremes of life's journey. We don't always get our wishes because some things are beyond our control. The following are some lyrics that stood out for me in terms of the drama.

Floating life is like a boat , ferrying the sorrows and joys of the world.
I hope this fateful entanglement is half regret and half hope
...the splendid memories will stain your eyes
...the bitterness of the world is still accompanied by dreams.
...I'll be moored on the other side of the river for the rest of your life, watching

The message here is in life there is good and bad. But may you always remember the good times. Even if there are sorrows, there are joys. The joyful memories will never go away. They are worth it. And this is what I have to say about watching this drama. Yes, it has a sad ending or an open ending as you might see it to be. Like the leads, I didn't get the ending I wanted but it doesn't negate the beauty in this drama or all that went into this amazing production. It is a 10 for me. And it is a beautiful journey you should see if only for once.

It is worth it.

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One of A Great Drama of the Year

I usually rarely write reviews, but this time I felt like writing a review because this drama deserves the best, I followed the development of this drama from the first day of shooting the drama until the drama was broadcast today,

as you know, this drama has gone through many phases from good rumors to bad rumors, various parties really want this drama to fail, this incident is truly unpleasant and unfair, I don't want to see a drama as good as this just be wasted. , there have been too many failed dramas this year. I just hope people can appreciate this good drama.

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Memorable and Brilliant Storytelling

Remarkable and brilliant. I’m still trying to gather my thoughts. From characters to storytelling, to cinematography to casting, this drama delivered on so many cinematic levels and more.

What drew me to this drama in the first place was actress, Zhao Lusi. Not once has she ever disappointed me in the roles she has played. Although I am a romance junkie, I was fascinated by why she chose a character somewhat out of the genre and out of her comfort zone. Now, I know why.

This drama is called, The Story of Pearl Girl. It’s not the Romance of The Story of Pearl Girl. How this series stayed consistent and true to Duan Wu’s life’s journey was brilliantly done. We watch her grow and evolve while finding love on the way. Her struggles leapt out of the screen. Her emotions embraced and pulled me into her world. Her acting is on another level. How she empowered everyone around her was also magnificent and inspiring.

A shout out to Liu Yuning who mastered his role as Yan Zijing. I don’t believe anyone could have played this role any better. His ability to carry a scene with sometimes little dialogue left a great impression. Expressions can be overdone and underdone. I believe he understood his character so well and brought to life a memorable character by his performance.

Now, to the love story that I didn’t expect, to be honest. I told myself, If I saw at least one kiss scene from the leads, I’d be happy. However, we didn’t just get a kiss scene, we watched a remarkable romance of togetherness unfold before our eyes For a drama where romance wasn’t the main focus, they somehow wove in a gem of a love story that will not be soon forgotten. Even dramas that have “love” in their titles cannot come close to how the series did justice to the character’s and feelings and emotions toward one another.

Overall, The Story of Pearl Girl has left a lasting impression that will resonate with me for many months, if not years to come.

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Discover the Unforgettable Journey of "Pearl Girl"

"The Story of Pearl Girl" is not just another historical drama; it’s a captivating experience that will leave you spellbound. With its unique story, fast-paced plot, and exceptional performances from an incredible casts, this series stands out as a must-watch.

From the moment DW and YZJ met, you'll be enchanted by the chemistry between the lead characters. Their connection feels genuine, drawing you deeper andd captures the essence of love and ambition against the backdrop of history.
Also " The Story Of Pearl Girl" masterfully balances joy and sorrow.

Don’t miss out on the series that everyone is talking about. Tune in today and discover why this drama is highly recommended for all lovers of exceptional storytelling!

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DuanWu is Superb ?

"The Story Of Pearl Girl" released in 2024's Chinese drama world with good quality.
The first thing that i got interested in this movie was because of the underwater scenes of the lead actress that went viral. I started watching the movie only because of the underwater scene of the actress without knowing the plot.
As soon as I started watching the movie, I couldn't help but admire the CGI effects and the filters that were used.
The most important thing in Chinese TV costume dramas is CGI. There are many movies that have to be thrown out because of bad CGI. This film is suitable for every scene from the use of light to the end of the filter, and the way the director portrays the speed of the film is really commendable. I was watching the ongoing, so until I finished watching, the plot was good and connected. (I hope to maintain this momentum until the end of the film).
I heard that it is an original script, so the story may be unpredictable, with various ups and downs, and plot twists.

The story is about a girl named DuanWu, who gambled her life to gain freedom from pearl slavery. There, as a pearl slave, the scenes of searching for pearls under water were filmed, which was very beautiful.
The acting ability of the lead actress ZhaoLusi is really appreciated.
In this movie, the character is Pearl's servant at first, so it seems like she didn't even wear makeup, from the make-up layout.
For a movie to be good, it must have a good plot, the leading actors must be good actors. I also noticed that every actor involved in this film fits in their place.
Watching this movie, I get the old high quality Chinese movie vibe as well as the Kdrama vibe.
It is a Chinese quality drama of 2024. Now it will stream worldwide through Netflix.
Highly recommended for drama fans who want to enjoy a good movie with heavy plots.

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