Vínculos do Futuro (2024)

unrealistic and confusing. there are little spoilers in my review from the first 3 episodes.

I really wanted to like this drama. I have seen the ML before and felt he is a decent actor. I have reach episode 19 and the story remains confusing, unrealistic and clear as mud. The FL i am puzzled by. emotionless and stoney, but maybe that is poor direction i don't know as i have never seen her before. There is almost zero emotion from the FL about anything, after what is suppose to have been in a previous life/dream a 20 years of marriage. I would have given up long ago. She seems to prefer the man who killed her. go figure.
So i am giving up now, and i feel sad. But there it is. you can't please everyone.

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Watching for the Main Couple

For me, it was like at first episode. The plot is intruiging with both leads being reborn in their youth, something that was different from the usual rebirth stories. I feel like this added a lot to the plot armor of the story. It felt fuller and richer because both leads were aware that they had both reincarnated.

The main couple really delivered acting out an old married couple yet young in the sense of discovering each other again once the misunderstanding was cleared up. Although its a drama in which the FL is more dominant than the ML, the ML has his own mind, plans, wits and makes sure to align everything to achieve the FL's goals. I love, love, love the pettiness the ML shows during his jealous fits with the FL and SML. I also love that the FL grows to trust in her relationship with the ML as secrets continue to be uncovered about all that had happened in their past life. Overall, I liked the development of the main couple especially as they pushed the theme of open communication and weathering the battles together instead of making a decision for each other.

The second male lead's reincarnation was a nice plot twist, though I feel one can already guesse it within the first couple of episodes. I kept hoping that even the crown prince had been reincarnated, but oh well, we can't get everything we want. Otherwise, it was interesting to see how the different characters made their choices given a second chance to alter the course of their lives.

Aside from the love line, the politics of the palace were interesting to watch. I honestly thought I would skip over those scenes but I actually sat through them, remembering who did/said what. For me, that was really impressive since I don't usually stick around for palace dramas. I especially enjoyed the tango between the ML and the SML as they dealt with the court affairs. In this part, I felt the supporting characters were well developed to move the story forward. The music was great, just that sometimes it felt ill-timed.

On to critisism: I agree with most of my fellow reviewers, at some point, the SML's role was redundant and having more screen time, even as a villain made it worse. After the FL came to terms about her relationship with the ML and also about her feelings for him, it was confusing and frustrating to see her expecting something out of her entanglements with the SML as if it would change her mind/heart. The long farewell with the SML in the final episode was honestly tiring to sit through. Even in his final moments I couldn't sympathise with him. I really wanted the final episode to be about the main couple. I was left wondering if the Princess Royal finally gave birth to her baby. I also wanted to see the big wedding. Sadly, the final episode didn't really deliver.

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Another Tragic Second Lead

After we watched a drama, we often remember the tragic handsome second lead in the story more than other character in the story. This happened for me in this drama.

Li Rong, the princess of Xia, was married to Pei WenXuan. Although she did not have much say in the choice of her spouse, the two fell in love. Unfortunately, WenXuan's past engagement to the concubine of Li Chuan, the young emperor, became a point of misunderstanding between the two. With the misunderstanding not properly explained, it resulted in their turning against each other. Thinking that WenXuan had poisoned her, Li Rong ordered the assassination of her husband.

The two woke up from death returning to 20 years ago before they were married. This time, things were more complicated - they were not the only ones who returned with the memories of what might be to come. The other person who also returned was an antagonist who wanted to kill Li Chuan that Li Rong and WenXuan supported, to stop him from becoming emperor,.

In the past one year, this was the third drama I watched which was about a second chance in life. The previous two were The Kunning Palace and Marry my Husband (Korean). Both of these were very good, so I was a little sceptical how this was going to measure up. It turned out to be an interesting story. Zhang LingHe was once again the lead actor (as in Story of Kunning Palace). However, in this drama, he was a little more subdued but infused some humour in an otherwise very serious drama. His jealous reaction to RongQing was entertaining and funny to watch.

There were numerous interesting characters in the story. WenXuan had a hard time convincing Li Rong of his love. Li Rong grew up in the palace with a hardened view on love and a strong sense of distrust. Portraying one who was tough and guided by logical, she actually had a weak emotional side and was completely devastated when she discovered the people she trusted and loved betrayed her.

The handsome talented Su RongQing, who was deeply and secretly in love with Li Rong, was an obsessive and stubborn personality. He had the chance of becoming the prince consort to Li Rong but he threw it all away to pursue his obsession with protecting his family and the noble families. He would protect her with his life but yet stand in opposition to her chosen path. He was obsessed both in love and in his pursuit. He was not quite the villain as he pursue all these with actual selfless goals but insisted on taking a misguided path. So I term him an anti-hero.

Then there was the old emperor who was determined to fight the nobles whom he believed had been standing in his way of building a better country and fighting the war against the northern invaders. However, his obsession led to him to be blinded in the choice of succession to his throne.

The last 4 episodes were intense and suspenseful. I was restless watching it. Although recent Chinese dramas tend to be less tragic, the writer could easily flip the story for either side to win in the last few episodes.

There was not much to criticise except to nitpick on some small matters. When RongQing fell over the cliff with Li Rong trying to save her, they both ended up on the river bank all wet but with their hair wear almost intact. Surely falling all the way into the water should have done more damages.

The last piece of music played by RongQing on the qin was quite lame - like a piece from an old Cantonese opera. I thought they could do better. Really lame compared to the piece played by Rong in this drama, or those play in The Double or The Kunning Palace.

Also in this drama, all the men were such faithful lovers, other than the old emperor. Lol. I don't see this happening in real life - after being rejected, most men would move on eventually and some move on very quickly; only an exceptional few lingers.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend this drama. I think it's greatest strength was in portraying the characters in the story. They were each with distinct characters and personalities.

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Watching mainly for interaction between Leads

i find ZHAO JIN MAI acting is unique.

Most people will say some acted well when they shout and scream like double lead actress does. She is different beast. But ZJM has unique style of acting in that you dont feel she acts but LIVES in it.

Oh i am watching her first time. First episode was bad . But i got hooked in 2nd episode and when she throw ML into water and they chit chat around after. That is when i noticed her acting. She acted with face , eye and overall mannerism.

I do not think any one can act that good except one. Zhang Tian Ai ( great actress). She never get many chance because she outshine male actors.

ZJM dont do not because she acts different. We can see ZJM is 4 level above ML when it come to acting.

Anyways i plan to watch her other dramas now.

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a new level for the male wife trope

the inicial idea was crazy good, and that made the first episodes very easy to watch.
i really liked that Pei Wen Xuan and Li Rong are not traditional characters, their personalities were different than we usually see in chinese dramas, they are a unique couple. also i loved their past, it was absolute DRAMA!
however, there's a very disturbing scene on episode 25 between the main couple, that bothered me a lot and i have not seen anyone talk about it, that scene was hideous, it even made me think if i would finish the drama, and it's the reason why i took away so many stars in my review. i believe it would be a trigger for some people, so beware.

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A captivating Story with a Psychotic villain

First things first, this c-drama was great, it had a captivating story line, a villain like most dramas do but that doesn't change my opinion as some villains can be like annoying to the point where if affects your opinion on the whole drama itself but I don't really care, cause the story line was unique for me it kept me going whilst watching this ongoing(1-32) the cast was amazing in terms of acting and sticking to their characters aside from the concubine(Li Rong's step-mother) It was like well for me, her acting was too forced but it was funny at the same time😂 the music was like another additional thing that was enjoyable for me it was special and complemented the scene that was shown. You may see that idk some reviews that are a lot different to mine but this is an honest opinion from myself and MY OPINION so please don't start anything. Just some advice, don't read the negative reviews, I read them myself some are not genuine and are hating on the fact of how the villains character was in general not the one who played it. If you think they're genuine carry on, I can't control what you do lol. But just remember that If you decide not to get into this drama you will be MISSING OUT for sure as it was definitely worth a watch I might even watch this for its first year anniversary (just my fave eps😌)
Anyone reading this take care, and choose wisely as to whether you WANT to watch this or not.

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Like kids playing house

The drama came on Netflix recently so I thought I should give it a try since I don't mind the visuals of both leads. However, from the outset it was apparent that this was not a serious production, because there were obvious flaws with both the mannerisms and dialogues to the point that it was jarring to watch. I don't have high expectations on this front; the drama simply doesn't meet the passing mark.

On to the story, it's actually a widely used trope in web novels, where a couple on the verge of a relationship breakdown go back in time, realise that there were too many misunderstandings on the way, and fall in love all over again (or realise they never actually fell out of love). It's not a creative plotline, but it can definitely be sufficiently entertaining, or it wouldn't be that popular in the first place. The problem is that the execution just sucked. It's like having a very patronising tour guide, who brings you from attractions to attractions, but never delving into the history and culture of the place. Once pictures are taken and there is proof that the location is visited, he ushers you to the next attraction, without checking if your expression is fine, if the lighting is alright and if the landmarks are all captured. You're basically just checking in to the different places soullessly without enjoyment. Yeah, that's the feeling I get after finishing the drama. To add on to that, the court intrigue was very frivolously designed, and the conclusion was very hasty as well.

Now, the actors. They look way too young for their roles, and I cannot take them seriously. The princess royale has zero authority and presence, and it doesn't help that she actually looks like a kid. Cutesy-looking actresses have this going against them - they are not convincing in roles which require more gravity. I think this is just a miscast. Zhao Jinmai needs several more years to pull off this kind of roles because she's naturally disadvantaged. This is something meant for a young Ning Jing, young Fan Bingbing, or young Dilraba. You get it. Zhang Linghe is underwhelming as expected, but he doesn't need to be impressive since this drama focuses on Zhao's role (and also because his rival has no charm so competition is non-existent). The second male lead is about as interesting as a twig, so there's that. He also has either a terrible dubber, or terrible vocal colour. Frankly speaking, the entire cast's inexperience shows and the acting is just painful to watch. There is chemistry between the lead actors though, but not enough.

All in all, it's a disappointing show. Even if you really like the two leads and you buy the romance between them, you'd be surviving on scraps. I cannot think of any reason to recommend this drama.

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The male lead became an accessory while the female lead became the back story

I was conflicted and confused about this drama. The title is misleading. The emphasis throughout was on Su Rong Qing, who was supposed to be the 2nd ML by the way. It was all about SRQ’s endless dramatic antics, forever sob story and sociopathic and villainous behavior. I thought they should have called this drama The Psycho Royal. Only ZLH made me tune in till the end. But really, I wasn’t even sure ZLH was the ML when his character was reduced to an accessory of the FL. I felt cheated. The last episode totally ruined this for me especially with that long irritating monologue from the psycho. Only saving grace of this drama is the flawless acting of ZLH and ZJM.

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A cringy script by confused writers

A cringy script by confused writers

What was advertised? An intriguing drama with a strong FL.
What I got? A cringy script with multiple personality disorder.

I love time travel stories and couldn't wait for this drama. Instead of being entertained, I lost 40 hours of my life that I will never get back.

The writers/director/creators of the show couldn’t figure out what the male lead’s character should be. Is he a good guy or a villain? This wasn’t one of those shows where the ML changes from an anti-hero to a hero. His horrible actions seem completely out of character at times, but he’s not presented as a villain. Those actions are excused because supposedly they were a result of how much he loves the FL.

The FL’s actions are also completely out of character at times. She switches from a strong and independent woman to someone willing to be a victim. She’s also a damsel in distress too often.




Spoilers ahead:

The show couldn’t figure out:

(1) Does the ML respect the FL and wait for her consent? Or, is he a predator who is happy to force himself on her? His attempted sexual assault in episode 25 seems completely out of character for someone who says he’ll wait decades for her.
(2) Is the ML a wonderful, supportive, and confident man who cares for women’s rights and is OK with the FL taking the lead? Or, is he a jealous and possessive jerk who wants to literally kill any man who likes her?
(3) Is the FL a strong, brilliant, and independent woman who doesn’t take BS from anyone? Or, does she suffer from Stockholm Syndrome, and talks about having a child with the ML after he tries to sexually assault her?


I went from liking the ML to hating his guts. Until episode 25, he is mostly shown as a supportive partner who respects the choices and intellect of the FL. When she says she needs more time, he says he will wait decades for her. He already has.

In episode 25, he grabs her by the neck and forcefully kisses her. This is not one of those “forced kisses” that are supposedly steamy. She is so repulsed that she claws and leaves scratch marks on his neck to get away. Does this make him stop? Nope. He throws her down and tries to sexually assault her, holding down her arms so she can’t fight back. When she finally manages to get him off her and tells him what a scumbug he is, he suddenly changes his tune–kind of. He forcefully hugs her and tells her he couldn’t help himself because he loves her so much.

Does this make the FL–an independent, brilliant, and proud woman–want to divorce him on the spot? Nope. She accepts his non-apology apology and talks about having children with him. The scene ends with them lying next to each other in what is supposedly a romantic moment where they’re watching the stars together.

It was cringe to the millionth power.

I’m disappointed that Netflix didn’t include a content warning for sexual assault.

I always read tags on MDL and do keyword searches even if I get spoilers because I don’t want to watch abusive behavior passed on as loving or romantic. Alas, nothing came up when I searched for abuse or sexual assault. I’m grateful for the commenter who called out the attempted assault in episode 25, but they used the words forced kiss, so it didn’t come up on my search. In the future, you can bet that “forced kiss” will be one of my keyword searches.

I don’t know about you, but most people watch shows to be entertained–not to feel cringy afterward.

I know my overall reviews round up to 3.5, but the OST and strong performances by some of the actors can’t justify watching this BS. Save yourself 40 hours of your life and find something else. There’s no shortage of content out there.

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A second chance historical drama that has it's flaws but is still very enjoyable

Whilst the premise of the drama is not new, I think it's fairly well-executed. I think Zhang Ling He and Zhao Jin Mai had good chemistry in the drama, and I found the quipping between their characters entertaining. However, I do think there could have been less arguing about the same issues later on. I also enjoyed watching Li Rong and Li Chuan's relationship - lots of poignant scenes. I think the pacing for the drama is pretty good, for most of it, with little wasted time. I flew through most of the drama. I think the ending could have been a little longer.
The reason why I've given a low rewatch value but high scoring for the drama overall is that it just isn't the sort of drama that I want to rewatch, since the unknown outcomes of all the plotting is what makes it exciting.
I've written a more detailed review of this drama with spoilers on my blog:
https://onthisiponder.wordpress.com/2024/09/09/chinese-drama-the-princess-royal-《度华年》review/

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Heavy on the palace intrigue. Lighter on the romance.

I will watch anything Zhang Ling He is in because he is devastatingly handsome and a wonderful actor to boot! In this he did not disappoint. The premise of this drama seemed interesting--having a second chance at correcting life's failures. But when the plot slowed and gave more air time to secondary characters and not enough on the main leads, I felt disappointed. The acting was very good in this. Jiao Jin Mai (Amidst a Snowstorm of Love) plays the imperious, self-absorbed princess to a Tee and the best part was watching her character grow and becoming adept at balancing personal life with palace intrigue.

The same can be said for the ML. He wanted to be a better version of himself and sought to win his lady's hand. Unfortunately, he isn't given a whole lot to do, so the relationship, at times, feels unbalanced. Watching these two fight and make up, push each other away and finally find a way to make their relationship work, while dealing with people wanting to destroy them, was a job. The rushed ending and loose ends left unexplained was disappointing.

The costumes, acting, and sets were beautiful and I loved the OST. Those were the strongest parts of the drama, but the writing was weak and I felt the performers deserved better.

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