Love Like The Galaxy was one of my most anticipated c-dramas of 2022. Because of China's new rule that dramas cannot exceed 40 episodes, the drama is divided into two parts with 27 and 29 episodes each. I had high hopes for this drama because of its star-studded cast and intriguing storyline, and it did not disappoint!

STORY AND CHARACTERS

Love Like The Galaxy is based on the novel 'The Stars are Brilliant, Fortunately Even Wow,' written by an author going by the pen name 'Guan Xin Le Luan,' who also wrote the novel that was adapted into the popular historical C-drama 'The Story of Minglan.'

Love Like The Galaxy is a story about love and its importance in all aspects of life. Insecurity and vulnerability can result from a lack of love. This was the case with Cheng Shao Shang. 

Cheng Shao Shang is the daughter of Colonel Cheng Shi and Xiao Yun Xi. Her parents left her behind after her birth to fight in the war. She was raised by her grandmother and her scheming aunt into what was supposedly a good-for-nothing. However, she is not a useless person. She pretended to be ridiculous and absurd but was extra cautious and meticulous to protect herself. The lack of parental love, as well as lack of love from those who raised her, made her think that there were more people who despised her than loved her, and this made her feel unsafe. She does, however, have an amazing brain and enjoys building things. She is not at all ladylike. This adds to the intrigue of her character. She longed for her parents to return from the war so she could live a happy and carefree life, but she had no idea that they would never be a family again because of their estrangement from one another. Despite the fact that her brothers and father immediately loved her, her mother, Xiao Yun Xi, was slightly annoyed by her un-ladylike behaviour and took to regulating her. This did not sit well with Shao Shang. She was obstinate, just like her mother. She despised being regulated or mocked and seeing others bullied. With her amazing wits, she is always ready to fight back against anyone. She is always willing to harm herself in order to help others. She is honest and admits her mistakes, even if it means getting punished. However, this does not mean she did not attempt to avoid punishment. Once, she even ran away from her home to avoid punishment!

This drama also shows the importance of expressing our feelings honestly and openly, because you may not get another chance if you don't seize the one you have. This was the case with Ling Bu Yi.

Ling Bu Yi is the emperor's adopted son. Ling Zi Sheng is his courtesy name. He is a General who is attempting to uncover the conspiracy behind what happened in the past. Ling Bu Yi is an efficient officer with a strong sense of duty. He is both passionate and menacing. He also has sharp wits and is not easily fooled. In some ways, the female and male leads are similar: they are both extremely stubborn and witty. He is cold and ruthless, and he rarely smiles. He regretted not expressing his feelings for Shao Shang because of his introverted and commanding personality. He was unable to express his feelings for Shao Shang because of his introverted and imposing personality. He did not seize his opportunity, instead allowed others to do so. Bu he is not like this when it comes to his job. He never leaves a coin unturned and alway seizes all evidences he can get.

CAST AND THEIR CHEMISTRY

This drama reunites Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi, who previously worked together on the drama 'The Long Ballad,' though not as a CP. Zhao Lusi and Leo Wu did an excellent job portraying the characters they were given in this drama. They convey the characters' complex emotions beautifully and sincerely, taking great care not to leave anything out.

It is common knowledge that Zhao Lusi has incredibe chemistry with who ever she is paired with. But, this drama is evidently a slow-burn and therr isn't much progress between Cheng Shao Shang and Ling Bu Yi in this part 1. But, even though they didn't have many interactions in the first few episodes, we can still sense their chemistry. And it grows even more with each episode. Furthermore, their interaction appears to be natural and realistic and the tension between them is interesting to watch. 

WHAT I LIKED:

We are promised a very entertaining and enjoyable show from the beginning of the drama. One of its strengths is the occasional comedic scene. At times, it may appear that this show is even more comedic than a true comedy drama!

The drama begins on a lighter note and stays that way until episode 10. This helps the audience in understanding the flow of the story and getting to know the characters well. Unlike in other historical c-dramas, the numerous characters are not introduced right away. On the contrary, this drama introduces the characters at a slow but not too slow pace. As a result, there is little to no chance of the audience becoming confused.

Each role is meticulously portrayed so that the audience can visualise them alive. The characters are three-dimensional and multi-faceted. The screenwriters have done an incredibly good job.

The drama's cinematography and costumes are both fantastic. The colour grading in scenes such as the lantern festival and the aftermath of the battle with the bandits leaves a lasting imprint on the viewers.

The music in this drama is fantastic! The music scoring used corresponds to the situation and atmosphere of the scene in which it is played. The final theme song, 'Splendid Stars,' is very soothing and pleasant. The music and songs help the audience get into the mood and feel of the drama.

WHAT I DISLIKED:

There are not much things I disliked. But, here are the two things that annoys me the most:

The lack of interaction between the main characters and some of the other characters causes the characters to feel distant at times. The main characters require more interaction because that is what we as viewers expect from a drama. Hopefully, we'll see more of it in the 2nd part of the drama. There are another 29 spisodes to quench our thirst!

There are too many irritating characters in this drama, such as Cheng Shao Shang's aunt and grandmother, as well as some other female characters who constantly irritate Shao Shang or  who have feelings for Ling Bu Yi. Even though these characters are common in dramas, they are abundant here! Even Cheng Shao Shang's mother can be annoying at times! Thankfully, they only little screen time! However, we are indebted to them in some ways because they were the source of some sweet moments between Shao Shang and Ling Bu Yi that almost made me swoon.

OVERALL

With its occasional comedic scenes and small twists and turns, as well as its star-studded and talented cast, their wonderful chemistry, and amazing cinematography and music, this drama sure can keep you fully immersed in it, making one unable to escape. I can give this drama a strong 9 out of 10, taking everything in accordance. The only reason I knocked off a point from it's rating is indeed because of the lack of interaction between the leads. Hopefully, it get better in the next part!