Worth it for 2 male characters

If you're into dramas that show men falling hard, then this one might pique your interest. However, it's important to note that there were more cons than pros overall.

On the plus side, the male lead (ML) was a refreshing change from the usual boyish characters, with his sexy deep voice and good acting skills. Additionally, the plot had its moments of interest, particularly in the second half of the drama. Hun Han also deserves recognition for his standout performance.

Unfortunately, there were several drawbacks. The female lead (FL) was not as impressive as the male actors and lacked passion in her portrayal of the character's feelings towards the ML. The chemistry between the FL and ML was also lacking, which made it difficult to root for the couple. Furthermore, the show suffered from inconsistencies and redundant episodes, and the low budget was evident in the limited use of set backgrounds. The maid character was also extremely annoying, as is often the case in costume dramas. Lastly, the epilogue failed to leave a good impression.

Overall, despite some brief moments of entertainment, the drama had too many shortcomings. Despite this, the ML's performance alone made it somewhat worth watching .

Leia Mais

Another miss from scriptwriters. Pity.

This drama is strictly for teens, and honestly, I lost interest in the thief/princess love story and skipped many parts. The other couple kept me hooked though. However, a lot of things were downright annoying:

- The maid who was always in everyone's business.
- The excessive bullying and physical abuse, be it father/son or son/heroine.
- The slow-paced love story that dragged on unnecessarily.
- Girls admitting their love super late.
- The girl who was supposed to be strong in the first episode turned out to be weak later on.
- The same facial pouting by everyone.
- Inconsistencies that were nauseating.
- The girl was always hungry, which was annoyingly repetitive.
- The supposedly married girl, who was also a supposed princess, could go out freely without any escort or maid.
- And many more such inconsistencies.

The drama did have a few cute moments, and the sound effects were not ridiculous, but that's about it. The chemistry between the actors was fine, and the actors did their best with the script, but none of them stood out to me. Also, they all looked average, and the hairstyle they had was terrible. What's with the same hairstyle for males and females, with that falling hair on the side of their faces? It looked messy, not cute, and it didn't suit any of them.

The drama ended on a happy note for everyone, as expected. However, it's not something I would rewatch.

Leia Mais

Childish, meant to be watched by teens

The script, characters, and plot of this show are extremely childish and poorly executed.

Despite my best efforts to keep an open mind, I found the sound effects used to emphasize every joke to be incredibly annoying, and the acting was equally juvenile.

Furthermore, there were countless inconsistencies within the script, and the constant use of stereotypes was both lazy and offensive.

To make matters worse, there wasn't a single good-looking character in the entire show. It's no surprise that the series was cancelled after just one season.

Definitely not a rewatch for me.

Leia Mais

Disappointing ending

The storyline was intriguing, and the casting was good. The special effects were impressive, and the entire production was captivating. However, I was extremely disappointed with the sad ending, where the main characters die. It seems that some writers believe that a happy ending in a love story is not necessary, but in my opinion, it was anticlimactic and unsatisfactory.

I appreciated the choice of actors, especially the fact that they were more mature, which added to the credibility of the story. While some might find this drama excellent, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. I prefer stories with happy endings, so that wasn't my cup of tea.

Leia Mais

Interesting enough for me to watch till the finale… so yes, good drama

Many negative comments and low ratings… I am very surprised as I watched way worse.

I am bored generally around episode 10 of dramas. Mostly because the plot is slow as well as the romance. But the male character showed early on he was falling in love and I found it endearing so I kept watching.

Did I find inconsistencies? Yes. Did I find the script ridiculous at times? Yes. At times, I laughed at the poor script and edits… the piece of cloth to mend wounds because everyone knows it will heal miraculously with it… riding a horse with one hand with the fake background took the cake of ridiculousness ?

But somehow the show grew on me.

I loved the drama A female who arrives at the Imperial College with Lusi Zhao, and of course, my expectation was high. Times flies and you are here has 2 focuses: genre equality and misunderstandings/miscommunication between couples. Genre equality in ancient times didn’t exist. Plain and simple. The writers of this drama played ad nauseam both. A Prince in Love of a Cinderella is extremely popular. The writers used and abused the themes.

This said, I still wanted to watch. Villains kept showing up when the love story started to be mutual. Insecurities kept them apart. I kept in mind that if they both shared their love and feelings sooner then the story needed to spice up with a more dramatic storyline. Most drama starts with fun cute and funny until mid-season, then switches to drama fights jealousy deaths and dramatic events. I see it in most dramas.

This drama is meant for teens young adults and women. The eternal propaganda of education is key to helping the nation, family and in the end, the individual is very common in Chinese dramas. Women’s education leading to their freedom is a great possible goal but in modern times. Every time I watch such drama, I am smirking. Not realistic.

This show, however, is well played. Casting is good. Chemistry is great. Everything else goes from average to okay such as music, storyline, costume, and makeup.

As usual, the title doesn't make sense in English. Subtitles need improvement as well. But I get used to that. Same with inconsistencies, illogical historical context, etc. Especially the fact that the characters are never shown with severe injuries. Blood but just a little to not shock the public. The back nude was a nice surprise. Chinese dramas are generally very prude with female characters. Seeing a nude male torso or part of it is more common. Pity. Really. But Chinese censorship is sadly showing itself.

Both main actors are really good and on my list to find new dramas with them. I do not find them beautiful but their acting makes them beautiful. I watched many beautiful actors with poor acting and already forgot them. But these two, I sure will remember them!

Kudos to some support roles.

So for me, this show is a good one overall because emotions carried by good actors is there.

Leia Mais

Cute YA teen drama

This drama is nothing extraordinary, it's just cute and intended for teenagers.

While some of the actors did a good job, I had a problem with the main character, Feng Cheng. Although he acted fine, I couldn't connect with him and there was no chemistry with the heroine. There were a few good performances from the secondary characters, and the main female lead was okay and fit the role. However, the ending was completely wrong. It should have been the Quatuor staying together to solve mysteries, and her identity should have been changed to a girl. Instead, we had two guys running away and a marriage, and somehow her brother took her place as official, which is essentially cheating.

The show lacked any real romantic moments, with only a kiss on the cheek and no love declaration or proposal. The last image was of them on the bed with wedding clothes, and her jumping on him, which was just ridiculous.

The first 22 episodes were slow, redundant, and boring, with the bully guy just bullying and the main character mastering archery within days. The prostitute's wig was ridiculous, and she was a completely not believable character. The special effects sounds were annoying, and the music was just average. While there were some funny scenes, they were not enough to save the show.

In conclusion, if you want a cute teenage costume story, then this show is for you. However, I cannot call it a romance, and I have no desire to re-watch it.

Leia Mais

As expected... sad ending

It seemed that in the vampire drama I watched, it was inevitable that one of the main characters would die. I didn't expect a happy ending, but I watched another Korean vampire drama in which the vampires came back, and they had a happy ending. So it was a slim possibility.

Vampires used to be a popular theme in novels and movies in the 2010s. Who doesn't remember the Twilight trilogy? I've always loved this theme, especially memorable movies such as Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice, who wrote numerous novels for adults. So, nowadays, when I come across a vampire drama, it feels rare and precious to me.

I knew from the start that the ending would be sad. The tone is set when the main character complains about his unwanted vampire status and longevity from the beginning. Clearly, his fate was death at the end of the drama. Of course, there was also a love story in the drama.

I truly loved both Gao Wei Guang and Ouyang Nana in their roles. Gao Wei Guang's main role performance contributed a lot to the drama's popularity. I also discovered Ouyang Nana and how beautiful she is!

Some people might feel uncomfortable with the age gap between the characters, but I don't. He is over 100+ years old, and she is a young, blind woman who has been abused by her mother. It's a stereotype, but the story was captivating, particularly the idea of the protector falling for his protege. It's easier to understand the victim falling for her savior, though.

I give the casting a 10/10. Music a 10/10.

Now, why did I stop watching? The ending. I can't stand sad endings; they don't interest me. Even though it was clear that the ending would be sad, I watched the drama when each episode was aired, so I had a habit of watching the last 5 minutes of the very last episode to make sure the ending was happy. If it wasn't, I stopped watching. After a dozen episodes, I waited for the whole drama to air, and sure enough, the hero died, and she was heartbroken.

This reminds me of another drama I watched, "Hard to Find." I watched the episodes one by one. Then I waited until the final episode aired, and once I found out that both main heroes died, I was done. I want to see a smile at the end of the drama. I don't find tears appealing at all.

I'm not convinced they will give us a second season. There's always an opening for that, but I didn't read the novel, so I'm unsure if it's even possible. Even if I did read the novel, since scriptwriters often deviate from the novel's storyline and rewrite a story only inspired by the general idea and characters, it means nothing to believe that if the novel has a different ending, the drama will also have a different ending.

That said, if sad endings don't bother you, I highly recommend this drama. It was well-played and very enjoyable.

Leia Mais

Wow double wow… make it triple!

I just finished watching my first K-drama, and I must say that it exceeded my expectations. Although I was initially hesitant to listen to Korean as I'm more used to Chinese, the fantastic acting, superb scriptwriting, and perfect casting quickly won me over. The chemistry between the actors was palpable, and the engaging music, especially the beautiful violin pieces, added a special touch to the whole experience. I was particularly impressed by the lack of major inconsistencies, which is usually a pet peeve of mine.

Compared to the Chinese version of this story, which I found immature and unpolished, this Korean version was tenfold better. It accurately portrayed class inequality, and the geisha-eng character was way more believable and well-cast than in the Chinese version, where she looked like a kid in disguise. Although the king walking around as a commoner was a bit unbelievable, I still enjoyed the quartet in both dramas.

However, I must point out some flaws that detracted from the show's perfection. The directors and scriptwriters could have done better with certain details, such as the handkerchief on top of the hair, the clothes bandage on a deep cut without sewing or medicine, and the hand on the hair instead of the forehead. Also, it was unrealistic that a person could disguise themselves as a gesheang in just a few minutes, and a single red bruise after getting kicked by ten guys was not convincing.

Despite these minor faults, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama, and it has made me a fan of K-dramas. I appreciate that K-dramas are more open-minded regarding sex and LGBT+ and do not ridicule man love man like some Chinese dramas. The conversation about loving and being attracted to a man was intriguing and handled sensitively. The only downside was the epilogue, which could have been better even if the ending was happy.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this drama to everyone. It's a must-watch that deserves to be rewatched. Kudos to the quartet, who stole my heart with their performances.

Leia Mais

Childish, meant for teenagers… hope it gets better

The drama had some aspects that were not up to the mark and could be improved upon. Although the script appeared to cater to a teenage audience, certain areas were a bit perplexing and could improve flow and coherence. The immortals had many talents, yet their inability to tell the truth was odd. Additionally, the chemistry between the main characters could have been better, and there was a lack of a sassy and powerful female lead, which is usually appreciated by many audiences.

The character of FL played by Rosy Zhao was cute, but I found it disappointing that the scriptwriters didn't give her a stronger character. As a result, her portrayal felt short and annoying to me. I was looking forward to seeing Rosy Zhao's new drama but overall it was a disappointment. I didn't find chemistry with the ML Yang An Yu. It was too childish.

However, I was thrilled to see Li Yun Rui again. I loved him in Love Like the Galaxy. I still wish they became the main lead couple in a costume drama. They have great chemistry and complicity. I would be over the moon watching them together!

I find modern music in costume dramas to be problematic. I prefer the use of flute, violins, and zither. Personal taste.

However, there were several things that the drama did very well. The costumes and backgrounds were stunning, and the special effects were well done. The acting of all the performers was also good. There were some funny moments in the drama that added to its charm, and the blue puppet, despite being marketed towards teenagers was a clever move that could generate significant revenue.

While the drama had some weaknesses, it also had several strengths. It had a talented cast, beautiful visuals, and some entertaining moments. It could become a great drama that appeals to a broader audience with some improvements to the plot and character development.

Season 1, 24 episodes out of 40. I will still give it a chance to see if it gets better. Because at this point, a lot of the story makes no sense and at times redundant and boring.

**

The plot took a sharp turn after her third reincarnation in episode 30. The once sweet and innocent character transformed into a cold and unlikable bitch. While the male lead who had previously rejected her in her past life finally realized his mistake became a remorseful character and received his own rejection medicine back at him, the extreme coldness of the female lead's personality was simply unbearable to me. Although I prefer strong and powerful women to lead and enjoy seeing the villains punished, her icy attitude was too much. I understand that she remembers all the sufferings and rejections she faced, but it does not justify her behavior. Even though the drama is still airing, I can only keep it a 5-star rating.

**

I finally watched the last episodes, but it was too little too late. The plot did get better, and the emotions of both couples were more engaging, but I was left with a female lead that I couldn't stand. One was a doormat and the other was a bitch, and I didn't like either of them. Even the last few episodes that showcased the rosy Zhao I love didn't make up for the previous disappointment. The epilogue was an utter disappointment, poorly executed and lacking in every aspect. As a fan, I'm not blind to an actor's bad script.

This show is a complete miss for me, with no rewatch value and no recommendation whatsoever.

Leia Mais

Very very VERY sad ending

At the start, I was genuinely engrossed in the drama, but I found it hard to continue. It's not due to any fault of the actors - they truly excelled in their roles. I was spoiled in the middle of the series that both leads died at the end. As a fan of dramas with happy endings, the deaths of the main characters left me feeling disheartened. I wasn't quite in the mood for a Chinese adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

I started watching when the episodes aired, so I couldn't spoil myself beforehand which is a habit of mine. After reading the summary, I generally go straight to the last episode, to the last 5-10 minutes. I must check if the main couple is alive, together, and in love. I hardly tolerate any other ending. (You can check my profile to read about my pet peeves! lol)

That being said, if you don't mind sad endings, you might enjoy this drama. Certain episodes had me completely captivated. The male lead's reasons for harbouring animosity towards the female lead were compellingly portrayed. Additionally, the female lead's amnesia added an intriguing layer to the plot.

Overall, it's a nice fantasy drama, although it did feel a bit lacking in budget. So, if you're okay with sad endings, I would still recommend giving it a try.

Leia Mais

Beautiful time travel story with happy ending!

Although this drama had many flaws, I still continue to re-watch it. This drama is also named “The Great Doctor”, aired in 2012.

Love story……

The love story was an absolute masterpiece. It was a perfect blend of beauty and intensity that kept me hooked till the end. The casting was spot-on, and the chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. Both the characters were aware of their limitations and knew they could not love each other, but somehow, they found themselves unable to resist the pull of their strong emotions. She loved him unconditionally, and he reciprocated her feelings with an intensity that was beyond words.

Even though he loved her deeply, he was willing to let her go for the sake of her happiness, even if it meant going against his own. This selflessness and sacrifice made their love story all the more beautiful and intense. It was a love story that defied all the odds and transcended time and minds. It left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I couldn't help but admire the beauty of true love showcased in this story.

Script, storyline….

I had started to blacklist time travel dramas altogether because of their predictable bittersweet or sad endings, the tragic separation of the main couple, and the immature female lead. It was all too repetitive and tiresome.

Luckily, I stumbled upon this gem on YouTube, where I usually discover new dramas to watch. I searched for "general kiss C-drama," and voilà, a list appeared that included some K-dramas.

The story of Faith, aka the Great Doctor, kept me glued to episode after episode. However, as is my habit, I had to spoil the ending for myself to ensure that this drama had a happy ending. And it did not disappoint.

I firmly believe that the drama I watched is the most underrated one. It is unclear why it is not getting the recognition it deserves. Compared to other time travel dramas, it has the most original storyline, the right way to have a time travel story (happy ending), and great casting (strong chemistry). Although personal preferences play a role in liking or disliking actors and actresses, this drama has exceeded my expectations.

The original author and screenwriter, Song Ji Na…

I invite you to read an interview with Song Ji Na, the original writer of the drama. In the interview, she expresses regret and explains that many of the choices made in the drama were out of her control. She is upset with the results. However, she praises Lee Min-Ho a lot, and it is evident from her words that without him, the show would have been a disaster. She disagrees with the director's choices. She explained that many scripts she wrote were disregarded.

I believe she wrote the 3 novels, sadly never translated into English, to redeem herself and the show.
https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/writer-song-ji-nas-qa/

Music, costumes…

I wanted to give a special shout-out to the music. The chorus music was delightful and added a layer of depth to the scenes. Whenever love was in the air between the characters, the love music was so fitting and beautiful. Additionally, the night effects added a special touch and made me smile. However, I have to say that the costumes were just average and didn't leave much of an impression.

Flaws, inconsistencies…

Was it flawless? no. However, I believe the minor imperfections I noticed were mainly due to cultural differences. For instance, there was only one memorable kiss scene, and mostly hugging scenes were shown. Furthermore, there was a scene where the characters were in bed, fully clothed, but it seemed like they had sex. Lastly, the ending lacked a physical hug or kiss, but the emotions were there.

When she returned, she found the Japanese reporters waiting for her to interview her and the nurse calling the police to report that she was back. That was ridiculous.

It was disappointing to see the great doctor struggle with basic first aid skills, such as performing CPR. The endless pumping routine was not only unrealistic but also frustrating to watch. Overall, this was not the drama's best scene.

The last episode was not the best, to say the least...

Casting…

I loved the ML, Lee Min-Ho. But I am not convinced the FL, Kim Hee-Sun., was the right choice. At times, she acted well, others she was ridiculous. So was it her acting skills or a director's choice, at times it was ridiculous. Faith was '90s drama queen Kim Hee-sun's comeback project, her first TV appearance in five years after her marriage and childbirth. So maybe this did not help?

The way she walked when she was dragged away… she had no idea of microwaves and the sound effects when the brother played his flute… when she returned in the future, she didn't think to bring antibiotics but her diary and her voice recorder… the way she pulled her hair… she studied years to become a plastic surgeon, yet she acted like a 15 years old. Many times, she exaggerated, and it showed. Like the epilogue. She ran to meet him, she knew it was him, but when she saw him, she opened her eyes as if it was the surprise of her life.

Director …

The scriptwriter and director's handling of the ambiguity between the older sister and younger brother in the movie was truly praiseworthy. Even though it was never fully developed, it was evident that they were probably lovers. The portrayal of the sister as a twisted villain who loved to play with men was well-done.

One of the most brilliant scenes in the movie was when the prince revealed that the ML was the true king. The choice of secondary actors and actresses was fantastic, and they all played their roles to perfection.

Sad story. Members of the cast and crew later sued the director, Kim Jong-hak,for unpaid wages, and while being investigated for fraud and embezzlement, he committed suicide in July 2013, 1 year after the drama aired. I invite you to read the production section on wiki.

Special effects, martial arts choreography…

I found the special effects in the movie to be quite unimpressive and failed to grab my attention. ML showcased his powers only once when he kidnapped the FL, which was impressive enough to take down dozens of cops, but after that, there was no explanation or proper utilization of his powers. Moreover, there were three villains in the movie who had powers, but there was no explanation given as to why they possessed these abilities. It seemed like a convenient plot device that added nothing to the story.

Time travel and meaning of “faith”…

Time travel is often portrayed as a mix of comedy, romance, and drama, which can be annoying at times. However, “Faith” drama, which is a political romance drama time travel, managed to strike a balance without the annoying comedy. FL was indeed clumsy and brought humor but because she didn't look like a teenager, somehow her character managed to bring smiles instead of annoying faces. At times, it was just a tiny bit over the top though. The concept of a time travel door in the middle of the city at night seemed a bit far-fetched, but it still managed to capture the audience's attention because the focus wasn't present time.

I have to be honest, I was struggling about the last episode. After brainstorming, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why the prince couldn't go through the portal while the ML could previously, be due to his lack of purpose and faith. It's also worth noting that when the FL came back in the same year/era versus when she left a second time, she went back 100 years before and the third time 5 years after. I came to the conclusion that the name of the drama, "Faith", explains it all. With faith, it was possible to go through time and space.

Epilogue… and finally a happy ending!

The drama's ending felt a bit hurried, leaving me wanting more. As a viewer, I anticipated a grand romantic finale culminating in a satisfying climax. However, it appeared to be a little brief. Nonetheless, as I paid attention to the details, I noticed that the many yellow chrysanthemums- FL's favourite flowers, were a clear indication that this place was a sacred spot for the ML. His fellows said he usually spent four long days there, probably reminiscing about her. The intense, long exchange of looks between them was nothing short of breathtaking. I saw the relief in her eyes to find him, tears streaming down her face, and his expression conveyed why the drama was named "faith". He had faith that she would return, and he never once doubted it. But it took some effort to understand all this loll

Honestly? The long stare in the eyes, no touching, no kissing, one lone tear, and a big sigh from her. He was waiting (obviously) for her return. She finally found a way back in time to be with him. Yet, I wanted some passion, some touching, something! I almost saw a tiny tear from him but it was hard to notice. I read many reviews, and all are on the same page as myself. The ending was a complete disappointment. Add to that that it was only the last 3 minutes.

Alternative ending…

The scene was set, tension was building up and I was eagerly waiting for a romantic moment between the two lead actors. However, as the scene progressed, it became apparent that the Korean director was being a bit too conservative. While staring at each other was fine, I was hoping for something more - a passionate kiss that would make their hearts skip a beat. Yet, it seemed like the director was holding back, being a bit too prudish. Despite the captivating performances by the actors, the scene failed to deliver the emotional punch that was expected.

The director's aversion to physical contact was evident in the drama, with only one kiss and an abundance of hugs. It's clear that they have a strong dislike for such interactions..

Conclusion…

I can't quite explain why I enjoy this drama so much, despite its many flaws, but I really do. If it had another female lead, I might have rated it higher. However, the male lead was perfect. I didn't like the director who removed any physical moments from the show. I cannot forgive the full clothes in bed. Did he think them fully clothed with a blanket on top was a bit too far stretched to imagine they had sex? Gezzz….I won't say more about him since he had a tragic death, but I'm not sure if he was famous before; I have no interest in watching anything else he's done.

It was released in 2012 and even though it's an old drama, I still bought the DVD to ensure that I can watch it anytime I want. With the fear that it might not be available for streaming at some point, owning the DVD is the best option.

Leia Mais

Family feuds, women's and men’s social ambitions. Beautiful production and story!

This drama is one of the best family period dramas I have watched.

Funny enough, around episode 15, I almost quit. I wasn't sure to be able to watch 73 episodes of women's fights. So I fast-forwarded and stopped at the love scenes. Then, I went back to where I stopped to continue the story. The more I watched, the more it became addictive. I think the turning point was when ML explained his strategy to marry her and her true personality came out; No longer a doormat but a very smart strategist knowing inside and out how to survive her family and in-laws. The chemistry exploded on my screen, I was hooked.

This drama is far from being a typical romance drama. It portrays the harsh reality of women's lives, including the hierarchy, jealousy, hate, nasty stepmothers, loving grandmothers, nannies, children, maids, sisterhood, concubines, and complicated relationships with men. The drama also sheds light on the forced marriage, ambitions, and clans, and how men were granted the freedom to have mistresses ranging from prostitutes to bed chambers to concubines, to first spouses, heritage, and succession. Moreover, it highlights how women were conditioned to submit to strict social codes and family hierarchy, and how their lives were tightly supervised.

I was completely engrossed by the transformation of the main female character in the drama. She started as a meek and submissive young woman, but as the story progressed, her true strength and determination were revealed. It was impressive to see how she fought tirelessly for her husband, child, and loved ones. Every aspect of the script was so well thought-out and executed that it felt entirely believable. The attention to detail was exceptional, and it allowed me to immerse myself completely in the past. The film provided an authentic glimpse into how families were structured and how people lived together, following strict rules and structures. Overall, it was an incredibly fascinating experience that left a lasting impression on me.

The love story was a complex and multi-layered tale of two individuals who were deeply in love with each other, but their relationship was plagued with challenges. There were moments of pure cuteness and loveliness, but there were also times when it was enormously frustrating to see them struggle. It was evident that their love was genuine, but it was also clear that they were conditioned by their childhood experiences and societal expectations, which made their relationship complicated. The man was like fire, passionate and intense, while the woman was like ice, calm and collected. Despite their differences, they remained committed to each other, and their love was the glue that held them together. There were a few instances where I chuckled at the adorable moments they shared. However, their story also highlighted the gender-based differences in status and the societal pressures that come with it. Overall, it was a beautifully written story that portrayed the complexities of relationships and the power of love to overcome challenges.

The performance was absolutely stunning! The actors and actresses involved were all seasoned professionals, and their skills were on full display. As always, I found myself completely smitten with the two male leads. It's hard to pick a favorite between them, but the ML was particularly adorable, especially in the way he portrayed his deep love for his spouse.It was crystal clear that respect was the foremost priority, and love was considered an exception.

I easily recognized two highly talented actresses. The first one played the lead role in "Princess Agents" - a drama that I absolutely adored, except for the lackluster finale. The second actress, who played the fifth villain princess in "Love Like the Galaxy", also showcased her remarkable acting skills with a completely different character. I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with both of them! I must emphasize that every actor in the drama was exceptionally great, despite the fact that the male leads were outstanding. The grandmother's portrayal was particularly touching, and it was hard not to have a soft spot for her.

I must admit that I am usually very critical of scriptwriters and directors, but in this case, I must give credit where credit is due. The plot was easy to follow and everything made perfect sense, making it a truly fluid and enjoyable experience.

I was impressed by the thoughtfully chosen music that complemented the atmosphere without being too loud. Additionally, I couldn't help but appreciate the attention to detail put into every aspect of the production, from the intricate houses to the stunning costumes and sceneries. It was truly a feast for the eyes and ears.

This reminds me of other family period stories that I also recommend. They are completely different stories but similar with in-depth conflicts and heavy social hierarchy and rules: “New life begins”, “Royal Feast” and “Chef Hua”.

This drama was very complex and gave me a full overview of how women and men lived and survived.

Leia Mais

Absolutely captivating. Totally underrated

This drama is, in my opinion, underrated.

The plot of this particular drama revolves around the mystical world of food and the intricate relationship between cooks and their creations. The way the food was prepared and presented in this show was nothing short of an art form, and it was truly captivating to watch. The maids who worked tirelessly in the kitchen seemed to operate like a well-oiled machine, moving with precision and care to ensure that every dish was perfect. Overall, this show was a feast for the senses and a testament to the power of food in our lives.

I adored both male leads! The Prince's character development was on point, from becoming the Prince to crown prince to the Emperor, he never wavered in his love for her and gave his heart completely. His unwavering love for the female lead, regardless of her actions, was truly admirable. As for the guard, he was enigmatic and ruthless, yet still managed to be highly likable. Despite his cruel nature, he fell in love, and that made him all the more intriguing. However, I must admit that the female lead's character left me conflicted. I failed to understand how she could so easily love to hate someone who never did her any wrong.

I loved this drama, but I was disappointed by the lack of explanation for the main character's sudden change of heart from a woman in love to a hateful woman. The fact that one concubine was forced to hang herself as per the ancestral laws did not justify her extreme behavior towards others. The transition was not clear, and it made it difficult for me to understand and appreciate her character. In my opinion, she appeared like a bitch, and her later change did not make up for it.

Despite enjoying this drama, I must say that the edits were subpar and failed to ensure a smooth-watching experience. At times, the production team neglected to provide proper explanations for certain actions or decisions made by the characters, leading me to search for reasons or justifications on my own. This is unacceptable; I should have been able to comprehend everything from the get-go. While I wouldn't necessarily call it a complete disaster, it did give me pause. There was a major problem with either the scriptwriters or editors, director, or production. Perhaps they made cuts in the wrong places, but regardless, it's a shame.

I found the pace of this drama slow, but it didn't bother me as I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate character development. The absence of physical action allowed the story to delve deep into the lives of the food maids, the harem, the guards, the eunuchs, and the Royal family. I was completely engrossed in the drama and watched it in a single marathon session.

I have to point out that there were several confusing parts in the story due to poor editing, and it bothered me that the female lead never reciprocated the same love shown by the male lead throughout the drama. Although the epilogue was predictable with the villains dying, I was disappointed to miss out on the final embrace, which was only shown as a camera zoom-out. Overall, I found the ending to be average and not entirely satisfying.

Despite any setbacks or disappointments, my desire to watch and fully immerse myself in this drama has never diminished. I find great enjoyment in being swept up in the storylines, characters, and emotions portrayed on screen, and I was always eager to experience the next twist and turn.

I recently watched a few stories that revolved around the inner workings of a palace. This particular genre has always managed to captivate my attention, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. From the intriguing plot of 'Moon Lovers' to the heartwarming narrative of 'Life Begins Anew,' and the juicy gossip of 'Palace Rumors,' each story had its unique charm and kept me engaged till the end. I do understand that not everyone may share my enthusiasm for this genre, but I relish every bit of it and eagerly await more such stories to indulge in.

Leia Mais

This is a must-watch youth drama that you'll want to see over and over again.

This drama is truly a treat for those who are nostalgic and over 20, as well as teenagers and young adults who are still in the process of growing up. It captures the essence of the best years of a person's life, where friendships are built that last a lifetime, and first love can blossom into a lasting relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this drama, as it was full of raw emotions that felt genuine and relatable. The challenges of growing up and dealing with complex emotions, the hopes and dreams of a bright future, and the struggle to become a strong and independent adult - all of these themes were masterfully interwoven into the storyline.

The character development in this particular story was truly remarkable. It was fascinating to see how each character's personality evolved throughout the course of the narrative, from their likes and dislikes to their jealousies and struggles. We all had best friends. We all had our first crush. We all met bullies. We all had study struggles. We all had parental issues. We all had this teacher we couldn't stand or on the contrary we loved. We all had to compete with somebody. This drama has it all.

Anyone who has attended school knows what it's like to encounter someone who is physically different or emotionally challenged, and this story perfectly captures the drama that surrounds such situations. What's particularly impressive is that this theme is relatable to people from all walks of life, regardless of where they grew up. This drama gave me many smiles.

What really stood out to me was the impeccable acting, which was brought to life by a perfectly cast ensemble. The chemistry between the characters was palpable and made the story even more compelling. The storyline itself was captivating, and everything from the pacing to the dialogue felt just right. All in all, this drama had everything I could have asked for, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt and memorable viewing experience.

Leia Mais

great, but you should steer clear of the final episode to avoid frustration

I have mixed feelings about this drama.

The drama in question was absolutely captivating, and I was glued to my screen for hours on end watching it. Every aspect of the story was a masterpiece and had me on the edge of my seat. However, the last episode left me feeling disappointed and frustrated. If only they had removed the final episode, I would have given it a 10-star rating without hesitation. The hero died, but not before saving the woman he loved. Meanwhile, the other guy who also loved her tried to kill them both, but ultimately watched as the hero saved her. Unfortunately, there was no explanation or revelation regarding the woman's superpowers, leaving a lot of loose ends to be tied up. As a result, the final episode was a complete letdown that ruined an otherwise extraordinary drama.

The storyline of the drama was captivating and complex. It revolved around a love triangle, where the female protagonist found herself torn between two male leads. The first male lead was a fun-loving playboy, who eventually fell deeply in love with the main female lead, who was a maid. Their playful flirting and bickering were fun watching. However, things took a turn when the second part of the drama began, and the same actor portrayed a man who was seeking revenge.

In this part, I saw a man struggling with his love and losing her as he became more and more obsessed with revenge. He had witnessed all of his family members die, and this had pushed him to the brink of madness. His madness, in turn, increased his jealousy, doubts, and mistrust towards the only person who truly loved him—the main female lead.

The female protagonist's character is also complex. Her feelings for the other male were complex. He was her Kung Fu shoufu but his cold attitude didn't open any door for love. Eventually, after some secrets were revealed, she realized that she had developed feelings for him but was not sure if it was love until the very last minute when he died. She was conflicted with her feelings and found herself torn between the two men. It was the first drama I truly watched where the female protagonist loved two male leads, making the storyline unique and riveting.

I strongly disliked the epilogue as it left me with a lot of unanswered questions. It was disappointing to see a love story from the female lead only on the last episode. Additionally, the show lacked balance as it only focused on villains and drama without any friendship or romantic moments. What's more, the female lead's superpower was never utilized to save the hero, which was frustrating. Season 2 and the last episode were major letdowns.

However, I did enjoy the performances of the actors, both males and female. The first episode had me hooked from the start, and the first season as a whole was quite good. I particularly enjoyed the female lead's heroic kung fu moment, and both male leads were equally compelling.

It's worth noting the exceptional performance of the pawnshop uncle and his adorable pets. He added a much-needed dose of humor to the drama
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The drama in question was truly captivating, with an intricate plot that kept us all on the edge of our seats. However, it was unfortunate that the ending left a bitter taste in our mouths. It seemed to be a rushed and unfair conclusion to a story that had so much potential for further development.

The main male lead, who had been a central figure throughout the series, met his demise in a way that was confusing and unsatisfying. He drowned in icy water, apparently the only thing that could kill him. This left us scratching our heads, as the character was a highly skilled martial artist who had survived numerous battles and close calls.

To make matters worse, the other main male lead witnessed the drowning, and yet the female lead appeared unscathed and out of danger. This only added to the confusion and frustration of the viewers. All in all, the ending felt like a letdown and left us with more questions than answers.

Nevertheless, the lack of a happy ending left me feeling sad and disappointed. Despite this, this drama will stay with me for a while.

****

I came across the real story online after the disappointing ending. A blogger mentioned that we could find the complete translation of the book online, but I decided to read her blogs instead which gave me a satisfying conclusion to this drama. The story continues right before the epilogue, where the protagonist meets Yan, and they talk face-to-face on horses. It's then that she finally understands that he had used her love for him to fulfill his own ambitions to rule and conquer.

Happy ending!!

In the drama's final scene, the protagonist appears to die in a frozen lake, but he is rescued. His love interest, who believed him to be dead, leaves him behind. Two years later, they reunite, but she becomes emotionally shattered from leading her men to their deaths and realizing that her dream was merely an illusion. To make matters worse, the man she had followed for so many years, Yuan, betrayed her. When she finally realizes that her true love is Wen Yue and that he is still alive, she cannot open her heart to him due to her emotional turmoil. She let him go.

After another year, they met once more, and she finally realized that her heart healed. However, their love is still threatened by political wars, and they are separated once again. Finally, after many political conflicts and battles, they are able to find their happy ending.

***

Thank you to SueLee in the discussion section. The translation after the ice lake was cute and helped the closure of this drama.

Blogger, Ninja Reflexion, cut some book chapters but it helped to understand what happened after the ice lake. CREDIT to https://ninja-reflection.com/

https://ninja-reflection.com/2017/10/04/princess-agents-novel-translation-just-bits-not-whole-thing/
https://ninja-reflection.com/2018/03/28/princess-agent-novel-translation-part-2/
https://ninja-reflection.com/2018/04/05/princess-agents-novel-ending-translation-last-part/

MDL doesn't allow links in reviews, so you have to copy/paste ;)

***

The entire novel is truly a revelation. Season 2 will likely require a significant budget as it includes many wars and battles with millions of deaths starting from the lake scene in the last episode of season 1 until almost the last chapter of the novel. In addition to the intense action, there are beautiful love stories (plural) and a death that made me cry in a few chapters. The main couple is a genuine love story that fans will swoon over but with many twists and turns. The story spans 20 years.

In the TV show, the characters and plot were significantly altered from the original novel. While the novel does have villains, they are not as prominent as they are portrayed in season 1. The focus in the novel is more on a few characters who are seen in season 1. Therefore, I think the screenwriter and director might reduce the number of battles and instead focus on a smaller number of villains to control the budget. When I mention numerous wars and battles, it's probably about two-thirds of season 2 that is dedicated to battle scenes. . As per the novel, she doesn't have super powers except being a great martial artist and a genius war strategist.

I am completely certain that a major revelation will never be disclosed in a potential second season of the show. I had to carefully read the text multiple times to ensure I fully comprehended it. Yan Xun, when he became the most powerful emperor and assimilated Yan and Xia empires, way after she finally married Yue, Yan Xun had an affair with a male general. Many twists and turns. This is only the last 10 chapters of the novel. We discovered his life once he became emperor, married, and had hundreds of women in his harem. Yet only loved ah chu and this male general Xian Mo.

“Xuan Mo and he are good friends, and only so. Once the relationship changes from brotherly love to romantic love, it ceases to exist.”

So I am pretty sure season 2 will be different from novels except for a few major moments. It is a good thing because in the novel new secondary characters showed up and I could hardly remember who was who. Sadly the author did not give a lexicon

Leia Mais