This is a rom-com series that will get you laughing from beginning to the end. All the actors delivered their punchlines so well.
The story is hyper-focused on the love between Princess Qi Pa and Kui Mu Lang / Li Xiong. The historical setting, the theme and even the internal war conflict was just thrown to build a story around the couple. The plot was there for just the sake of having it. If you're looking for an elaborate political tactics, government affairs, character's historical background, plot twists and ulterior motives, your too serious mindset should skip this. Its not for you.
But if you're looking to just fall in love, have fun and leave you refreshed every after episode, then you must see this.
- Contrary to all the negative and seemingly synchronized reviews here, Its NOT a drag! I'm up to Ep.23 in no time.
- Real passionate love communicates physically and you just can't help it. The director and actors allowed enough room for physical romance. Wu Xuan Yi and Chen Zhe Yuan is not awkward with each other and didn't hide behind birds for a fake kiss.
-While all the roles here are one-dimensional, they all have remained consistent through to the end of the story. Not one has acted out of character which exemplifies the simplicity of the narrative.
-When Chen Zhe Yuan hugs, he hugs with open palm and not closed fist. I noticed he does the same with Hidden Love. Kudos to Zhe Yuan. There's never an awkward moment.
-Wu Xuan Yi looks so tired on episode 1 despite her make up and has terribly lost weight. I know she's too busy with projects because, why not? She's a dedicated actress who takes time to study her role, highly creative and puts in an effort. There's no doubt, I will see Xuan Yi in a better and more challenging roles in the future.
-Just when I am thinking that this whole series has zero great character, General Ma died. Though it was given screen time, it failed to invoke the expected reaction from audience with the death of Ma Ying Xiong.
-I think this is running on a tight budget given that the Beast City Palace is running on 20 men soldiers, 3 commandants, 3 Elders, 1 kitchen staff, 1 lady-in-waiting 1 right hand man and 14 women soldiers who are sometimes assigned as palace maids. It wasn't too obvious because it was highly compensated by the costumes of Princess Qi Pa and specially by the grandeur of the Beast City Palace. Its also rare to find a decent sound effect and music background—a very good one at that.