Nelly
Canada
Above average, and will only get better!
OVERALL
This is the first half of the drama (not sure why it's split but sure), and it's a good one. I'd say just watch. Although not perfect, this drama has so much good stuff going on, it's worth the try. But if you really, really don't like silly female leads or slow burn romance, then you might want to reconsider.
THE STORY
I wasn't sure what I'd get into when I started this drama. Turns out it's a bit bipolar, alternating between serious/dramatic vibes and comical/sometimes over-the-top scenes, but it still works, and I'm hooked!
The best
- 3D characters who are flawed, have fears and have traumas to overcome. Female lead and Male lead even have relationship growth, which is an amazing bonus!
- Linked to the above is the super well developed family dynamics in Female lead's family, which are not usually so deep in other dramas and which I hope are going to evolve.
- I'm not a huge fan of the "love at first sight" trope, but this drama does it beautifully. Male lead has more of a case of "interest at first sight" that gradually turns into love, which makes more sense.
- There is a second Male lead in this first half of the drama, he's quite cute and his relationship with Female lead is too. I like their story from beginning to end, it doesn't go at all as I expected, which is refreshing.
- The cinematography (filter, settings) is mature and balances out well with the slapstick and slightly immature scenes.
- You have some political intrigue going on, sometimes in the background, sometimes more up front. And for sure more is coming!
- There's also a bit of mystery surrounding Male lead's past which keeps you wondering.
- Extremely fun emperor. Don't think I've ever liked one that much before!
The worst
- Too many mean girls moments. Way. too. many. One or two is fine, but it's getting a bit repetitive. Hopefully they find other sources of conflict and problems than just evil noble ladies badmouthing the leads.
- It does take a loooong time for the romance to really kick off. Apart from a few isolated scenes, Male lead and Female lead are almost never together until ep 20. It wouldn't be that bad, if the time wasn't filled with so many mean girls scenes.
- Female lead can be too ditzy at times. I guess some people like silly female leads because they're in vogue in C-dramas, but I prefer mature and dignified female leads so it bothers me a bit. Granted, the character is supposed to be young, but still. It might throw you off if you're like me.
- There are too many characters, imo, some of which are not particularly likeable and quite useless (can someone tell me what is Yuan's purpose in the drama?). It's a bit frustrating when they get too much screentime.
- The cinematography is great, but not too sure about the costumes and makeup. They just don't seem to flatter anybody.
Overall though, this is a solid start for the drama. I'm guessing it will only get better from here, since the romance is on, the political intrigue will only get more intense and the plot will have to thicken. If you're not sure, just try it!
THE ACTING
Ok. Like I said in another drama review, there are some actors I just like. Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi are such actors. I don't think they're amazing (especially Leo, he'll improve as he gets older), but they do the trick and they have good chemistry. What else can we ask for? In general, no complaints from the rest of the cast, the older actors sometimes even outshine the younger ones.
THE MUSIC
Good enough! I really like the instrumental tracks!
REWATCH VALUE
I have to wait until the second half to truly decide, but for now, it's high (with some fast forwarding)!
This is the first half of the drama (not sure why it's split but sure), and it's a good one. I'd say just watch. Although not perfect, this drama has so much good stuff going on, it's worth the try. But if you really, really don't like silly female leads or slow burn romance, then you might want to reconsider.
THE STORY
I wasn't sure what I'd get into when I started this drama. Turns out it's a bit bipolar, alternating between serious/dramatic vibes and comical/sometimes over-the-top scenes, but it still works, and I'm hooked!
The best
- 3D characters who are flawed, have fears and have traumas to overcome. Female lead and Male lead even have relationship growth, which is an amazing bonus!
- Linked to the above is the super well developed family dynamics in Female lead's family, which are not usually so deep in other dramas and which I hope are going to evolve.
- I'm not a huge fan of the "love at first sight" trope, but this drama does it beautifully. Male lead has more of a case of "interest at first sight" that gradually turns into love, which makes more sense.
- There is a second Male lead in this first half of the drama, he's quite cute and his relationship with Female lead is too. I like their story from beginning to end, it doesn't go at all as I expected, which is refreshing.
- The cinematography (filter, settings) is mature and balances out well with the slapstick and slightly immature scenes.
- You have some political intrigue going on, sometimes in the background, sometimes more up front. And for sure more is coming!
- There's also a bit of mystery surrounding Male lead's past which keeps you wondering.
- Extremely fun emperor. Don't think I've ever liked one that much before!
The worst
- Too many mean girls moments. Way. too. many. One or two is fine, but it's getting a bit repetitive. Hopefully they find other sources of conflict and problems than just evil noble ladies badmouthing the leads.
- It does take a loooong time for the romance to really kick off. Apart from a few isolated scenes, Male lead and Female lead are almost never together until ep 20. It wouldn't be that bad, if the time wasn't filled with so many mean girls scenes.
- Female lead can be too ditzy at times. I guess some people like silly female leads because they're in vogue in C-dramas, but I prefer mature and dignified female leads so it bothers me a bit. Granted, the character is supposed to be young, but still. It might throw you off if you're like me.
- There are too many characters, imo, some of which are not particularly likeable and quite useless (can someone tell me what is Yuan's purpose in the drama?). It's a bit frustrating when they get too much screentime.
- The cinematography is great, but not too sure about the costumes and makeup. They just don't seem to flatter anybody.
Overall though, this is a solid start for the drama. I'm guessing it will only get better from here, since the romance is on, the political intrigue will only get more intense and the plot will have to thicken. If you're not sure, just try it!
THE ACTING
Ok. Like I said in another drama review, there are some actors I just like. Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi are such actors. I don't think they're amazing (especially Leo, he'll improve as he gets older), but they do the trick and they have good chemistry. What else can we ask for? In general, no complaints from the rest of the cast, the older actors sometimes even outshine the younger ones.
THE MUSIC
Good enough! I really like the instrumental tracks!
REWATCH VALUE
I have to wait until the second half to truly decide, but for now, it's high (with some fast forwarding)!
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