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Loved the plot ?
I loved this drama with all of my heart. The best thing? Xie Wei's wit. Jang Xuening was good, but my only complain is she didn't whole heartedly accept Xie Wei, while he almost forced her. Yeah later they got married and surprisingly had two kids, but still I'm on Zhang Zhe's side. Anyway, the drama is full of good plot and as historical Chinese drama goes, this one is more modern. I also love rewatching it, everytime when I have nothing else to watch.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
hmm
So this won’t top Scent of Time, but I enjoyed this c-drama, at first it would be a little confusing, but man the acting and chemistry is on point. I truly enjoyed this one and it only took me A day and a half to finish the whole 38 episodes plus the bonus short special.I solely approved of the ending and who she ended up with, glad that out of all the sacrifices he did for her she was finally able to realize and recognize her feelings for him.
At first I was intrigued to watch this since Bai Lu was the FL and I truly enjoyed her in Till the end of the Moon, Zhang Linghe from Love between fairy and devil (I’m halfway from that series but had to take a break, I couldn’t stand the FL there sorry), and of course Wang Xingyue from the scent of time. (he was remarkable there!)
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When you get the chance to do over
The chance to right your mistakes is one of the top wishful thinkings that never loses its charm.By right, the premise for Story of Kunning Palace (SoKP) already makes for a great start … By left though, SoKP falls through in the genre of reborn stories with poor camera angles and lighting, story execution and okay-ish actor / actress caliber.
Director Chu is infamous in the industry for his weird camera angles and inappropriate lighting position - so I will not delve deep into this. As a general viewer, I don’t have the professional knowledge to critique this constructively. The only thing I would say is it indeed cut down my viewing experience by a fair bit.
Onto the story. Jiang Xuening was the evil, alluring empress that was given the chance to redo life when she found she was back to her 18-year old self.
First things first, like any idol drama, I think evil can and should be contested. She was morally flexible and selfish in her first life, but to emphasise she was evil and thus, felt this deep regret to redeem her past actions to Yan Lin and Zhang Zhe was a bit lost on me. I felt that this may be due to the lost of translation from the original novel to drama adaptation.
This leads to the second, related point. The director and editors presented the story such that flashbacks of 1st life would play out right before the big event happened in 2nd life, and then we would watch how Xuening did differently after. On one hand, it made the story less draggy. On the other, it made me feel less engaged with Xuening’s motivation because I didn’t get enough context on why she felt a certain way with some characters in the scene. Like why she is so afraid of Xie Wei. Or why is she so grateful towards Fangyin. I mean they did mention why with the brief flashbacks, but the impact wasn’t deep enough for me to truly grasp the full picture of Xuening’s feelings. Not to mention, some of the flashbacks felt disjointed too.
Xie Wei should be an intriguing male lead - with his obvious backstory that closely mirror of Mei Chang Su story from Nirvana in Fire. Alas, while one may be able to copy the surface level stuff, the spirit or essence of classics is not as easily replicated. Maybe it’s the screenwriter. Maybe it’s the actor. To be fair, I think Zhang Ling He did good enough for his age. His Xie Wei just doesn’t have that charisma or charm for me, for now. Quite a lot of things were diluted to me in SoKP - I couldn’t feel that Xie Wei is was that smart to be able to fool the emperor, ministers, and rebels. There were more questions about how he survived his ordeal as a kid then and the resources he was able to amass at his disposal as an adult now to be able to do what he wanted. Similar to Xuening character, I felt this is also another lost in translation case. I shall stand corrected if I ever find the time to read the novel.
The funny thing was I got more intrigued by the side characters stories more than our main leads. One was Xue Hui’s arc, Xuening’s sister who was wise and truly just wanted to live her life peacefully but was misunderstood by Xuening for her indifference, in the 1st life. As Xuening chose differently this time, she came to better understand the person beneath the protective shell Xue Hui’s has built. Pity that Xue Hui didn’t even appear much on screen. Another one was Yan Lin’s, and I was rather satisfy with his arc. Fangyin’s arc was enjoyable too.
Overall, SoKP is a good enough reborn story that’s not for the nitpicky. It has a good enough storyline that sadly wasn’t translated as robustly on screen.
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A good historical drama
I have watched many Chinese costume dramas, and this one is one of the most well-made dramas. The storyline is really good and the acting of FL makes it even better. Not only the FL, but the ML, side characters, all of them are so perfectly placed, it couldn't be any more perfect.I usually pay a lot of attention to scripts. The dialogue and the way each character enters or contributes to the plot is very good. A lot of dramas as such have a very typical story, but this one is quite well-presented. I would definitely recommend this drama to anyone who is a fan of costume dramas.
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Toxic and obsessive
I liked the beginning initially but along the line, alot of things didn't make sense. The reason why zhang zhe and Xuening could not be together in life 2, i still don't get. ML was a raging red burning forest. The romance scenes were giving abusive and toxic and in real life it wouldn't be encouraged so not sure why this happened.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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An Interesting Reverse Harem Romance
Chinese heartthrobs Bai Lu & Zhang Ling He are in the news for all the right reasons. Following the success of her Xianxia romance “Till the End of the Moon” and her current on-air drama “Only for Love”, Bai Lu is obviously a fan favorite. Similarly, Zhang Ling He has been riding high on the heels of his recent IQIYI releases “My Journey to You” & “Tiger and Crane”. Adapted from the web novel “Kun Ning” (坤宁) by Shi Jing (时镜), “Story of Kunning Palace” depicts an arrogant Queen’s journey as she falls from grace, commits suicide and transmigrates to the past to redeem herself. Surprisingly, both Bai Lu and Zhang Ling Zhe are playing roles that are morally grey. Bai Lu’s character in “Story of Kunning Palace” might seem quite similar to her portrayal in “Till the End of the Moon”. But Jiang Xuening is definitely different from any of her previous renditions. Zhang Ling Zhe recently played a grey character in “Tiger & Crane” and his “Xie Wei” has similar dark undertones. It seems both actors wanted to try their hands at playing shady characters and, shockingly, they are good at it. Directed by Chu Yui Bun, the show has a star-studded ensemble and is based on the concept of a reverse harem. Yes, that’s right. Jiang Xuening has quite a few admirers in this storyline and the show majorly focuses on her burgeoning relationship with each of them.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/10/story-of-kunning-palace-first-impressions/
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Very Good Story
This is Bai Lu and Zhang Ling He are blended well. It is not as good as Luo Yun Xi with Bai Lu.This drama is intense as My Return To You! Suspense drama. I hook on this story. It is mystery solving case than a writer who wrote herself into drama. I notice Chinese drama tended to copy from one story to another to make another story. Therefore, the story is similar. Actor and actress made the different.
So far I enjoy it and it mixes of suspense, humorous, intense, antagonist, etc.
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It was almost good-ish but..
Despite similar plot having been explored in many other dramas, I had high expectations for this one due to its impressive production quality. The beginning showed promise, with events seemingly aligning in the FL favor, and I largely overlooked the family drama subplot. Initially, it appeared that Xue Ning and Yan Lin's relationship might evolve romantically, only for her to opt for friendship instead. The pacing was pretty good at this point, I was impressed.Suddenly, Xue Ning becomes fixated on Yan Lin, determined to protect him from all the dangers of the world, without fully understanding the motivations behind his past actions, including his betrayal (if I recall correctly, he even assaulted her?).
While she remained wary of Xie Wei from the outset, Yan Lin received a pass despite his association with him. She vilifies Xie Wei without considering her own stance.
The introduction of Zhang Zhe felt underwhelming after much anticipation. Xue Ning's sudden fixation on him, resorting to her previous tactics to win him over, seemed driven more by a desire to validate her goodness rather than genuine affection. Her moment of self-reflection following Zhang Zhe's mother's second death felt forced, especially considering her subsequent emotional outburst, which contradicted her established character. But when Xie Wei showed up and hugged her, it became evident that it was merely a setup for the introduction of Xie Wei as the new romantic interest.
As for the "plot", up until episode 25, Xie Wei seems to be in the palace for revenge. As for Queen Dowager, she seems to have had played a part in the conflict that started it all. Xie Wei is trying his best to keep Yan family safe while trying to remove the obstacles and that's where we are now, and by the looks of it, I think it will continue for at least the next 5-6 episodes which I can't endure.
Overall, the series was passable entertainment until this point, but I find myself reluctant to continue beyond episode 25. What I anticipated as a revenge-driven narrative devolved into a clichéd toxic romance drama prioritizing runtime over plot development. Nonetheless, it earns a 6.5/10 for its commendable performances and high production values.
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Incompetent ex-Empress
The female lead was an empress in her last life, and for becoming the empress. she must have gone through rigorous training, and study. I thought that she would be a master in these subjects, but why the hell is she so incompetent? I mean, how is this even possible? How the hell did she even become the empress? Even if someone conspires for the phoenix coronet, they must have talent but how did this useless girl take the position?It's baffling, one would expect her to be a master strategist and adept ruler, given the prerequisites for such a role. However, her current incompetence raises questions about her past accomplishments. The narrative appears inconsistent; for someone who secured the coveted title, her lack of competence seems implausible. It challenges the credibility of the storyline; it left me pondering how this seemingly inept character managed to claim the throne.
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Mastermind in Disguise of a Pawn
The storyline for this drama was a bit slow in its phase, especially for the romance between Ning er and Juan. So, it would not be a wonder if this drama will not be everyone's cup of tea, fortunately, it is well written and the revenge arc was perfectly executed. Each of the characters apart from the leads had their own depth in them which clearly showed their importance in key plots, some of the characters were amusing but some were just plain annoying (special mention to Xue Shu). As for the characters of the main leads, i'd praise how bravely and smart the female lead was written and most especially Xie Juan for being such a calculating genius, a pawn turned into a real dark horse. Despite how Xie Juan is a walking red flag in the real world, I really love how badass he is but to an extent that his darkness balances with light. Clearly, this drama isn't solely carried by how well written the storyline is, the way all the actors and actresses had given life to their characters played a major part in its success. Every scene had my heart pulled in strings, especially during the intense ones and even more so at sad scenes. As for the chemistry between both leads, I have no words because I am completely drawn into every single scene they had. Like, they could have just been standing still and staring at each other's eyes and it is enough to feel tension there. They are indeed oozing with chemistry and I swear their kissing scenes are to die for, there are not many c-dramas with that kind of kissing scenes filled with so much intensity. Bai Lu really is the 'Queen of Chemistry'. I've watched all of her dramas already and her chemistry with her co-stars are always topnotch, however, after watching this drama I must say her chemistry with Zhang Linghe is on top over all the co-stars she ever had. Zhang Linghe on the other hand surprised me with his role in this drama, I have started liking him even more. He definitely nailed his role here. I have so much praise for this drama. I can't believe I almost missed out on it. 'The Story Of Kunning Palace' is definitely worth every time spent watching it. The stellar casting of actors and actresses was a brilliant move from the directors and producers.If there is one thing I regret, it is the fact that I almost missed out on this drama. It is such a gem and deserves every praise and recognition it gets. I had actually watched this last year when it was still airing but decided to drop on earlier episodes and I no longer even remember why I did lol. My first reason for watching this last year was because of Bai Lu as she is my fave actress then there is Zhang Linghe who I started liking too after watching 'My Journey to You'. I picked this drama back up again because of Wang Xin Yue, I just finished watching 'The Double' and couldn't find any other c-drama to get over it until someone suggested this to me again and i'm glad I actually watched this.
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Intriguing story with a touch of romance & passionate kisses!
I liked this unique storyline where the FL goes back in time and tries to undo all her previous mistakes. And for some events, no matter how much she tries to change it, it still happens anyway. But with perseverance, she continues to work against fate and changes the outcome of the people she cares about.Towards the end, it was no longer about her undoing her past misdeeds so the story fell flat for me. And when the ML and FL started to acknowledge their feelings for each other, it was very stingy on the romance but instead gives us some passionate kisses and even a bedroom scene before marriage.
Overall, it was entertaining if you don’t expect too much. Thankfully, the ending was an happy one.
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Reverse Fate | To discover the unnotice feelings of the Insecure (ML) for the Conflicted (FL)
"Not to mention Qin, the world, revenge, nothing in this world can compate to her" - Xie WeiAfter looking back and analyzing the whole story, I believe this drama's main theme is "Finding and fulfilling the unnoticed and overlooked love" more than "Reversing life and fate" that most people perceived it is due to how the story was being told.
More so, finishing this drama made me realized that Jiang Xue Ning's journey to relive her life was not only to correct her past mistakes but mainly to discover the feelings of the man truly meant for her. Because her selfish desire and ambition in the past led her astray and made her the evil she has become and the only way to possibly reverse it is being with the man destined for her. Someone that can control and pacify her, in order to keep her from going the same path again.
Additionally, I enjoy the idea of the Main leads trying to rediscover and understand each other's real personality— Xie Wei finding out that JXN remained the same unyielding and compassionate person he unconciously fell in love with and Jiang Xue Ning comprehending XWs true intention and knowing the real reason why he's done the rebellion and all of the events that happened in the past.
In terms of how their love and affection was presented...I would say, I love and hate it at the same time. XWs assertiveness in expressing his love showed both dominance and savagery to me, which I find surprising and shocking even up until now. Those times he grabbed JXN by the neck will never ever sit properly to me. I feel like he's too fierce at times that it seemed like he's forcing himself to her (which is half meant) even when I know that JXN came to like him the more she understand and stay by his side. Nonetheless, that characteristic of his is one of the things I despise the most with other dramas and it feels like the writer is trying to get a way with it using his traumas and sickness which doesn't sit well to me at all no matter how they put it. And love it in the sense that XW is always ready to sacrifice himself for JXN. Like, man! He's too passionate and devoted to her that he's willing to be stabbed and killed by her... What an intense and tough love. I guess I am just glad as well that JXN reciprocated his love at the end because I am so sure he might self-destruct in no time.
Note: This made me recall of the time when JXN remembered XW giving her a knife assuming that it is to kill herself only for her to realize that it might actually given to her for protection and that she may have misunderstood him all those times. Another thing is her dream at the last episode when it is showed that XW trying to kill somebody which I think is, himself...because he's regretful and cannot accept the fact that his loved one killed herself right infront of him with another man in mind.
Love rivalry and Jealousy - I find enjoyment and satisfaction whenever Xie Wei is jealous of Zhang Zhe because he always go all out in throwing attitude all over the place showing his dissatisfaction and unamusement. While being extremely tolerant, understanding and been trying his best not to show jealousy when it comes to Yan Lin. What a double standard! Hahaha! One of my favorite Jealous scenes is on Ep. 33 when he cooked all those aweful tasting yet visually pleasing dishes because he's jealous of Yan Lin eating out with JXN. It's funny but why is he taking it out on the female lead? Seriously that man.
I also just wanna mention how I feel mad that it took them 10 episodes before the 2nd ML/Zhang Zhe finally appeared. I believe we could've gotten more delightful ZZ & JXN moments if he was introduced sooner. But then I kinda understand the reason and intention behind it as well. Because man could jave stolen the show if he's given more screen time than he has. 2nd ML syndrome is strong in this drama!
In addition to the 2nd ML... I do feel bad that he was set up to be emotionally distress when her Mother died because if that didn't occured he could've been the perfect fit for the FL. However, I am also glad that FL got to end up with the ML because I feel like he 'need' her to his life or else he's gonna be lost and caged again in his own traumatic experiences.
Lastly, the Kissing scenes were passionate, intense and sensual. I love how Zhang Ling He seemed to be enjoying every second of their savory kiss to the point where it looks like he's devouring Bai Lu's lips. *Grins*
"There's only victory or defeat in this world. There's no right or wrong." - Xue Shu
Story - 10, I honestly want to rate it lower due to the "Red Flags" I noticed but then, this is a drama after all and I will accept the fact that it's the writers imagination working to make his/her story more flavorful and interesting. The story is nicely written and I wouldn't mind it being a little longer, 38 episodes are inadequate. P.S. I'm glad that they didn't kill Princess Le Yang but I never expect them to kill You Fan Yin!!
Acting/Cast - 9.5, I love the cast and I truly enjoy each one of them. The only thing I have problems with is with Zhang Ling He's facial expressions...I find some of his expressions to be awkward and specially when he trying to act some big emotional (angry, traumatizing and agonizing) scenes. And thank heaves Hu Yun Hao/Emperor Shen Lang's acting improved as time went by because his acting at first wasn't giving/convincing.
Music - 10, I can vouch that all the music used here were good and they were all used accordingly to match the scenes. I also just want to commend the Music Dept/Team for using such 'realistic' sounds whenever they're playing the Qin. I really appreciate them for doing that.
Rewatch Value - 10, I'm not even thinking twice about this drama. Every episode is satisfying and I never really got bored while watching it. Highly recommend!
Overall - 10, I initially wanted to give it a 9.5 because of all the ratings people are giving it. However, I am really the type of person who give dramas I enjoyed and like their deserving mark no matter what other people says. So Here I am giving it a perfect score. Hahaha! Gonna stand on my own judgement and customs.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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