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1Love in Dahuang is cruel, lonely and makes your soul bleed - A deeply emotional analysis.
Season 2 of Lost You Forever drops you straight into the tragic, painful, full of yearning madness that is the brutal world of Dahuang. It brings with it the same excellent cinematography, gorgeous sets, beautiful dialogues and haunting music score that was the signature in its first season.However, this season is more raw, more bleak and more unkind to your heart as it follows the journey of our broken characters and their futile love. Ultimately, it is a story of what could have been, what never will be and what remains.
✔️What could have been - Xiang Liu - The glorious dragon of all our hearts
At times, watching this season, it felt like this was Xiang Liu’s world and we were all just living in it. The nine headed dragon has to be one of the most complex, deeply layered and nuanced characters on Chinese television. With his life shaped in torture, the shackles of a lifelong oath dragging down his very being and undying loyalty to a doomed army hanging over him like a cloud, Xiang Liu is the most devastating unsung anti-hero I have ever seen.
Even though he started his journey with borderline villainy, he is soon revealed to be sacrificial, noble and selfless in a way that is both self-punishing and painful. His love for Xiao Yao is real, thoughtful, tender and pure even as he tries to bury it under constant denial. He builds her up in a way no other man has ever done. With tough love, unexpected tenderness, hidden affection and needed ruthlessness, he makes her the kind of woman who she has always wanted to be.
Someone who can rely on herself, who belongs and who is strong and unafraid. Ultimately, he is the one who understands her on a soul deep level - he is her teacher, her best friend, her soulmate and also the man she can never have. Always there to pick her up when she needs it most, always there to save her when nobody else can.
To the very end, his goal remains to do what is best for her even if it plunges him into infamy or rips his own heart out. He wears the mask of her worst tormentor when in reality, he is the guardian angel who makes it possible for her to have everything she has ever wanted. His love, unlike others, comes with no conditions. The only condition he has is her happiness.
Tan Jian Ci’s acting was phenomenal here. He was capable of displaying so much emotion in a matter of minutes. His fearless, vicious, demanding, deeply sacrificial, stubbornly duty bound, frustratingly complex, unflinching, vulnerable, SEXY ASS SIN portrayal of a dragon with a golden heart, that is so broken that he knows nothing else, completely wrecks your heart.
At the same time, his duality shines through in the form of Fangfeng Bei - a carefree, playful, witty, flirtatious casanova that is even more painful to watch because it dangles the possibility of how different things could have been in another life for both us and Xiao Yao.
The “what if” here is so strong. What if Xiang Liu was just Fangfeng Bei - a man who could love without restraint, live without burden and could accompany Xiao Yao for the world to see? What if he gave them a chance? What if? What if? What if? It’s enough to drive you insane.
It’s like Xiang Liu had an unspoken connection with my eyes. Every time he came on screen, my eyes cried tears of blood. I felt like a live wire of hurt as I saw him kill all the longing in his heart, stomp on the love he thought himself unworthy of and march towards an end that was as devastating, unstoppable and glorious as the man with all these jagged edges himself.
It’s almost sadistic the way the author of this drama lets us know the depth of his love, the tenderness of his heart and the ultimate compassion behind his sacrifice. It’s an unbearable doomed secret that hangs between us and Xiang Liu. The one we want to scream at the world and the one he wants to bury. And bury, he does.
A serpent with the sweetest sting, a dragon with a fire that burns only himself, a man with a heart that is boundless - Xiang Liu will forever live in my heart as one of the most memorable and formidable characters I have come across in ages.
✔️What will never be - Cang Xuan - The wolf who tore the sheep's clothing
From the very start, Cang Xuan has shown to be a man capable of absolute mercilessness if he is pushed towards it. A strategist who can do away with all personal feelings for the end goal. He has forever been a cornered wolf, clawing and manipulating his way to power so he can protect the one he loves. He has worn the cloak of civility, he has made compromises for the throne, he has hidden his anger under the guise of a smile - all so he could be the man who calls the shots.
Now, he has it all and yet, his head hangs low under the weight of the crown he fought to put there. His love for Xiao Yao has been the oldest and coldest friend he knows - his underlying motivation for everything. What he feels for her has simmered and bubbled under his skin since they were children. After all, she’s the only person in his life who he trusts without question. The only woman who has been with him through thick and thin.
However, Cang Xuan has been suppressed for far too long, been forced to muzzle his fangs for too long and this season, slowly his veneer of politeness has started to chip. His desperation and his need for her has started to congeal into an obsession that is as self-destructive as it is selfish.
Slowly, you see him unravel as his need to keep her next to him, his festered bitterness and his damaged soul that has been deprived of love for way too fucking long threatens to propel him off a cliff where there is no coming back from.
Cang Xuan is a deeply unfortunate, tragic hero and Zhang Wanyi’s delicate portrayal made this flawed, broken and wholly human character always easy to empathize with. On one hand he can be beyond ruthless and decisive for the things he wants and on the other hand he oozes this childlike fear and insecurity when he faces Xiao Yao. He is king to all but at her feet alone and it’s eating away at him that she cannot see it.
He cannot get the love he is starved for, so he feeds himself with more and more power - it keeps him full yet malnourished. Until, he is nothing but a famished wolf, yearning for a love that is always at the tips of his fingertips and yet millions of miles away.
While, I definitely feel like the drama declawed him in the last few episodes, and stuffed his wolf back into the sheep’s clothing, there is also some reprieve in seeing this character come into his own and make peace with his ambitions while ultimately choosing a path that keeps his conscience clean and his hands bloodless.
✔️What remains - Tushan Jing - Weak spineless noodle who is the only option available
One of my biggest gripes with this drama was the way they executed Tushan Jing’s character. He is spineless and cowardly to the point of being intolerable. Always weeping and coughing on the side, always waiting for other people to clean his messes, always the least interesting person in the room - the only thing Jing has going for him is the ten or so episodes of the first season where he endeared himself to viewers as the pure and untainted Shi Qi.
Since then, all his actions are just explained in dialogues. The show wants you to like him just because the script says so. He is good just because the script says so. Deng Wei is the weakest link of the cast and fails to manage to bring forth even a hint of a second layer to his character.
It’s almost like the drama makers hate him because he’s given the least impactful screen time and even when he isn’t he wastes his moments with the same redundant facial expressions we have seen from episode 1. He is never Xiao Yao’s equal and is more of an adopted pet than a partner. All he does is get sick, cries and causes Xiao Yao to mother him.
He is a very useless character overall - bland, uncomplicated and a man who would always be on a lower level than his woman. Which is also why, it’s the most understandable why Xiao Yao would be attracted to him given the rough life she has had and why he is the only real option available to her. So, while I understood his appeal to Xiao Yao, it still didn’t mean I had to like him as a character and I couldn’t help but yawn every time his scenes came on screen because of how much of a snoozefest they were.
✔️Xiao Yao - The Queen of Broken Hearts
Xiao Yao - one of my favorite female leads ever - really took some hits this season. She was at times frustratingly indecisive, forever hung up on a man when that’s never been her character, stupidly self-blaming and had some moments that were downright naive. That said, Yang Zi’s excellent portrayal made her impossible to dislike for me. Her acting is one of the best I have seen by any C-drama heroine in my entire life.
Xiao Yao is a woman who wears her past and troubled childhood like a cloak. It’s always there, lingering at the back of her mind. She is a product of her upbringing and abandonment is a word that rules her deepest phobias. That is why, even when you dislike the decisions she makes, they fall in line with her character. You understand why she does what she does and you can’t begrudge her that.
Her underlying strength never vanishes even at her lowest; she is clever and scheming when she has to be, and she never loses sight of her passion that lies in healing people. While I do believe her life revolved around the men more than I would like, Xiao Yao is still one of my favorite characters.
There's something so nurturing in her that speaks to the broken men she comes across, something so wounded that reaches out to others with similar wounds, that there is never a question as to why she is the one all these men are pining after. That said, as compassionate as she is, Xiao Yao’s wrath is a cold, cold dish and when served, it freezes the other person to near death.
Yang Zi’s phenomenal acting made me feel her loneliness, her pain, her anger and her hopelessness. She has always only ever wanted to have someone that would put her first and it’s impossible to forsake her for it.
Even if it pains me to say it, her ultimate decision is the most realistic and practical one among the very meager options. Cang Xuan’s love is shared by the throne he sits on and tainted by all the women he must marry for the sake of power.
Xiang Liu, who is without a doubt the one she would be with if she could, is imprisoned by a debt that will never be paid. A debt that has become his identity - it’s all he knows, all he has ever known and parting with it, means parting with himself.
So Jing - simple, unimpressive, easy to handle Jing - is the safest option for her heart. She doesn’t need saving because she can save herself. She doesn’t need fame because her lineage gives her enough of that. She doesn’t even need the epic, unforgettable love anymore because all the torture that she has faced over the years has beaten it out of her.
What she needs is just a partner, fully devoted and simply there, right next to her with no other responsibilities other than staying with her. In Jing, she sees the innocence that she herself has lost and preserving it, means preserving a part of herself.
By healing him, she heals herself and so she fights for him with such devotion because despite all the pain, he has brought her happiness that is simple- a simplicity she has forever craved for and I won’t hold that against her.
Because, despite the men you root for, this is ultimately Xiao Yao’s story about the love she lost, the love she never had and the love she gained. It’s a journey of how she met these men who changed the very trajectory of her life - who broke her some, who healed her some - and who left different kinds of impressions on her heart.
❌ Some Flaws this drama had:
I am not going to say this drama was perfect because I did find some flaws in it. For one, the plot did go in circles at times and the action/war scenes were poorly executed. There is a lot of telling rather than showing as well. Other times, there were unintentionally funny scenes that didn’t go with the tone of the drama. (Even if they were few and far between.)
However, the biggest flaw was the last few episodes. Rushed, messy and deviating from the original novel. It baffles me why the drama chose to make some of the choices it did in order to reduce the brutality and tragedy of the original novel. I think it made the story more audience friendly but it really felt like defanging a lion and turning it into a house cat.
The fates of these characters in the novel were there for a reason. They made sense because their personalities and actions led up to those conclusions. So, meddling with that, especially in the case of Cang Xuan, just made a lot of things feel underwhelming for me.
And yet, they decided to keep one of the most cruel fates in this story, just like it was in the novel, even when audiences prayed for some reprieve there. So, I am not sure what the point of those changes really was because I am sure the amount of scenes they modified, they ended up pissing off fans of each of the men.
✅ Final Thoughts:
So yes, while I had problems with this drama, it was still very much a story that pulled at all of my heartstrings. I felt so much empathy and so much grief for these flawed characters and I feel that overall, the writers did an excellent job weaving a narrative that was so compelling and so utterly agonizing.
There are some excellent supporting characters in this drama in the form of the bratty but endearing princess Nian, the wise Xiyan emperor and the lovable Haoling king. They all have moments that steal the show and allow you to look at the main protagonist’s actions with a different perspective.
Lost you forever is an extremely character driven slow burn story which is why I think this is best seen 2 episodes a day. You have to sip and feast on it like a mug of cozy hot cocoa instead of downing it like a tequila shot in one go because if you do that, you’ll be left coughing, sputtering and bored.
Ultimately, this is a story about love but love is not the end goal. These are complicated characters who all have their own motivations to do what they do. And, while they crave for a home, for companionship and for a future - they don’t necessarily base their choices around it. As a result, there are more or less no antagonists in this drama - just these complex people with their own internal struggles, fighting their own demons.
I had already read many excerpts from the novel, so I knew how most things were going to go and yet, when I saw it all come to life on screen, my feelings still got manipulated like I was a puppet on strings. I cried, I laughed, I stressed and I despaired. For that alone, I feel like for me, it was a drama worth watching and I cannot give it a lower score.
So, this is without a doubt one of my favorites and 100% Jeana recommended.
***
To Xiao Yao,
You don’t have to be alone anymore. May you have somewhere to go and have someone to rely on. Wishing you a lifetime of peace and happiness.
Xiang Liu
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The Return of the King.
After closing Season 1 on a high note, the much anticipated Season 2 of Lost You Forever opens with an air of looming inevitability. The focus shifts from Xiaoyao to Cangxuan as the main plot is built around the return of the king who is meant to unite Dahuang. This also portends the end of the long stalemate between Xiyan and the Chenrong remnants. This kind of endgame puts all of the main characters at crossroads with difficult, heart wrenching choices to make.Season 2 has not been as well received as Season 1 and the bulk of the disappointment is around how unlike Season 1, Season 2 deviates from the novel on a few fronts. I didn't read the novel so I can only evaluate the drama on its own merits. From my perspective, the season's biggest weakness is that the plot arcs leave a rushed, condensed impression. This shouldn't be a surprise as topics involving conquering harmless neighbouring states and glorifying rebels don't fare well with Chinese censors. I also had to scoff at the idea of a war with no civilian casualties; if this were a plot driven story I would be quite disappointed.
But Lost You Forever is predominantly a character story and on that front, the character arcs deliver in spades. Even though many characters make choices that are not relatable, they are not meant to be. Novelist Tong Hua designed the characters for both the prequel novel Once Promised and Lost You Forever based of mythical creatures from Shānhǎijīng/山海经, The Classic of Mountains and Seas. This is an ancient Chinese geographic compilation of mythical monsters and magical creatures; kind of like Hogwart's Monster Book of Monsters. This story is set at the beginning of time, after Pangu and Nuwa created the world. Xiangliu is a mythical beast, a venomous nine-headed snake monster loyal to water deity Gonggong. Cangxuan and Xiaoyao's grandfather the Xiyan King is none other than Huangdi/黃帝, the legendary Yellow Emperor. They are early immortals, directly descended from primordial gods whose footprints can still be found in the shape of the mountains and seas. They live for an unfathomably long time; until their obsessions eventually get the better of them. This explains Cangxuan's darkening and Xiaoyao's overpowering fear of loneliness and abandonment.
Even though this story broke my heart, all of the important characters are true to themselves and fulfil their destiny. I did not always agree with or like their decisions but the storytelling is elevated by phenomenal acting that compelled me to understand their choices and accept that their decisions made sense for them. My only disappointment with the season is that plot-wise it sagged and is not strong enough for me to raise my rating for the drama overall to a 9.5/10.0. It is nonetheless an immersive, heart-rending and dark enchanted fairytale about flawed but unforgettable characters who are trapped by destiny. I rate both the second season and the adaptation in its entirety 9.0/10.0. Watch it but guard your heart and do not grieve too hard for them because their fates are to a large extent predestined.
SPOILER WARNING
The rest of this review does not avoid spoilers and is best read after you have finished watching this drama in its entirety.
I may be in the minority but even though I almost drowned myself in wine, I think the ending is perfect and fitting. Xiaoyao is a flawed and broken character that regresses as the narrative advances. Her strongest, happiest, moments were in Qingshui Town, when she lived among mortals as Wen Xiaoliu. The only thing she lacked was a companion. When Ye Shiqi, another lost immortal came along, her life was complete. Even though Tushan Jing is a weak character that let Xiaoyao down repeatedly, he is kind and when it mattered, he was willing to be Ye Shiqi again so that she could be Wen Xiaoliu again. He was the safe choice and the only choice Xiaoyao was capable of making. Even though I will never like it, I understand it and I can live with it. The best, most magical arc was always the Qingshui Town arc so the drama closes there, in a full circle.
Cangxuan is also a damaged and abandoned character whose his mother chose to die with his father over living for him. Thus Xiaoyao and Cangxuan share a deep and complex bond that goes beyond their childhood oath. From the get go, the way they deal with their shared trauma put them on forever opposite paths; he chose to be invincible while she chose to be invisible. Xiaoyao only reclaims her identity and returns to the perilous world that cost her everything because of her promise to Cangxuan. She faces her demons, relives the worst days of her life and puts herself in harm's way to be his pawn; the princess bride that paves his way to the throne. She never looks happy or carefree again after she becomes Xiaoyao.
The great irony in their story is that Cangxuan seeks power to protect Xiaoyao but once he attains power, he becomes the greatest threat to her. He is Xiaoyao's hero that lived long enough to see himself become a villain. Had Cangxuan given in to his worst instincts, it would have been unforgivable and it would have destroyed them both. I am relieved the drama only showed us what would have happened and then walked him back from the brink. Cangxuan did many things he regrets along the way, which he describes as 遗憾/yíhàn and not 后悔/hòuhuǐ. This means he did what he had to do; that he did not really have free will. The turning point in his character is when he admits there was one pivotal moment he regrets (后悔/hòuhuǐ); when he should have chosen Xiaoyao but he chose the throne instead. But even after he owns his choices, I feel a frisson of fear at his disarming smile that is belied by the dark longing expression in his eyes. Xiaoyao will never be truly safe from him so Xiling Jiuyao disappears among those who die collecting and documenting rare herbs throughout Dahuang.
A'Nian is the best character in this story. She is the spoiled but brave and true Haoling princess who grew up with the security of a loving family and her beloved Cangxuan gege. She is who Xiaoyao should have been and she is living Xiaoyao's best life. She dares to put herself out there, to take risk in love without needing to be loved in return. I hope one day Cangxuan understands that Xiaoyao did choose him; that her name is A'Nian.
As for Xiangliu, he understood Xiaoyao best and loved her most selflessly. But by the time they met, he had long ago pledged all nine lives to his lost cause. After leading so many men to fight to the death, it is not clear Xiangliu could have just walked away even if Xiaoyao asked him to. It would have been a risky, reckless and consequential path for both of them; the story of Chi Chen and Xiling Heng could repeat itself. Xiangliu and Xiaoyao waited for each other to cross the line for a very long time; far longer than Xiaoyao waited for Tushan Jing. But the inescapable truth is after everything she went through, Xiaoyao is too broken. As the consequence of two people who loved recklessly; she could only choose to be loved. Xiangliu is himself not free either so he accepts this. For him their brief entanglement had to be enough. If Xiaoyao had been A'Nian, she would have dared to choose him except his path would have never crossed with that A'Nian, only Xiaoyao. They were just never meant to be. And so Xiangliu frees her from missing him forever and leaves her with someone to rely on and go home to. Even though she will never be burdened by knowing the full extent of everything he did for her, Xiaoyao grieved deeply for Xiangliu. To me, her silent, helpless adult tears were far worse than the way she child ugly cried for her parents. I do wish he had left her the real Chubby but I guess it was not possible since Chubby would have gobbled up Tushan Jiing and spat out his entrails.
Even though both Zhang Wanyi and Yang Zi deliver outstanding and compelling performances, Tan Jianci's portrayal of Xiang Liu is simply iconic. I can't remember when I was last so mesmerized by a character. Even though it shattered me, Xiangliu fulfils his destiny in an epic, climatic ending that is what legends are made of. According to Shānhǎijīng, Xiangliu left behind a patch of earth so toxic that nothing grew or lived there again. I know book readers are not satisfied with the ending but for me it is an incredibly sad but beautiful and fitting way to end a story about love that is not a love story. My only regret is I didn't get to see Xiaoyao shoot Xinyue in the heart. I mean to make time to read both the prequel and the novel so I won't spoil myself the book ending. But if it is at least this good, then I love it already.
X
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A Game of Tetris
Well, I got what I wanted; Jing was endgame and the demon went out like the MVP that he was. That said season 2 was all over the place and therefore this will be an analysis/review. I added A Nian to my favorite character list along with the two above. Due to the shoddy editing, I consider part 2 an essential game of Tetris. I'll start with the characters that stood out to me and how they changed (if at all since season one).XY: Our red flag, anti-heroine definitely evolved from speaking to the mortal Tian'er in her way of thinking though it wasn't until episode 18 that the "abandonment" word was finally beaten out of her. Even when she spoke to the essence of her mother, she didn't get it until she realized it was her own mother. I did like how she allowed herself to understand that the whole thing with Jing was her fault too. That she stood by when she knew something was fishy with the whole child thing and did nothing; when she could have prevented a lot of misunderstandings and problems. Also glad the woman who swore she would never wait for anyone, not only posthumously married Jing but defied her obsessive brother when it came to him. But she got her happily ever after with the person right for her.
Jing: You are NOT the father. That was a phrase I had wanted to hear for a long time and it was satisfying; Maury Povich inside my head and everything. Jing evolved in his own manner; he wasn't a pushover anymore. He spoke his mind to her about his suspicions of the kid not being his and even later on, he didn't just stammer and disappear. He was gentle, kind, and not overbearing. He took credit for the good and not so good things he did without hesitation. And just like I thought and hoped, both the lifesaving pill and the demon brought him back to her. He fought hard to come back. He's her direct opposite and that's what she needed and wanted in a soulmate.
The demon: Lord almighty, I don't think I have ever met a larger masochist in any series, movie, show of any country. The lengths he went to save her; sacrificing 3 of his lives and erasing as much of her memory of him while he forever grieved, even in death. Only good thing was that he went out exactly as he wanted. Death was tragic but awesome. He really was the MVP. Had been anything less, it would have done irreparable damage to his character. As a novelist, I'm happy with it. But now because of that aquarium like pill inside that wooden doll, XY could take him with her on all of her adventures even if she didn't know it. I'm sure like others, I wish he or others told XY just how much he had actually done for her. Even at the very end, though she mourned his loss, she still misunderstood him. Also my favorite piece of music was his BGM in both seasons; just a female voice and I believe a guitar; simple and yet so deep. I also wish he sent Chubby to her and Jing as they traveled the world. They could take care of it and have a nice reminder of him. Poor Chubby didn't get an ending.
FL: Fleshed out more thankfully. He wasn't a bad guy at all, though morally grey like everyone else. I actually wish he didn't die, he was good to keep around but at least he did right by Jing and told CX the truth in the end. Though his death did bring some form of hope to his horrid sister Xingyue in changing her nasty ways (I actually thought "why does trash like his sister have to live but he can't?"). He was a good friend, general, cared about people and though a deity, he was probably one of the more human ones.
CX: He never got over his obsession of XY but at least we never saw him go batshit crazy. I never liked his character as a person though he was a good emperor. The fact that him "killing" Jing was actually an illusion created by his grandfather to get to the bottom of the truth was horribly done. It was like we knew why we had to hate him and then snap, it's not true? Like how's the audience supposed to feel for him afterwards? Then make that nightmare Xingyue be the real culprit but he's partially to blame because of the way he treated her too. So it's this never-ending whirlpool. Plus the forced "look he's evolved into someone sort of good" up through the end where the main couple don't even get the last scenes but are given to him and A Nian back in that village? It would have been better if it was XY and Jing wondering around the village reminiscing together. Still he had to unburden himself of his feelings in the last episode finally to her right before she got married; selfish much? Because it would've changed anything? Why are we supposed to feel sorry for him? I don't! I'm confused with this obsessed fool. Which again says something about the actor and character portrayal done very well.
A Nian: Literally my favorite female in the entire show and the absolutely most evolved character bar none. I was so proud of her. I hope if CX decides to have kids, it's only with her. She's the only real rightful queen and one that deserves to birth an heir.
I'd have to say that the editing made someone like me who has never read the novel stay in a perpetual state of confusion. Furthermore, each episode ended in some haphazard manner like in the middle of a conversation or fight. I had to constantly ask what was happening and why from friends who had read the novel or the leaked script. Part 2 in post production had to be done by a different team. Other than editing, what was up with FL's poison death veins, they were obviously not under his skin and looked like plaster or marker you could just peel or wash off. It was laughable in that agonizing scene. Same went for Jing's injuries in the water. This season looked a lot cheaper in other aspects too. I felt that the producers and editors smoked something very heavy.
Would I recommend it? Only if you watched season one and need to watch this to finish things off. The characters did evolve but some were forced on audience regarding that while others actually did so organically. Most actors did a good job.
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Love's Cruel Fate: A Soul-Crushing Journey of Heartache
Overview of Plot:-Lost You Forever season 2 continues the epic tale of Xiaoyao and explores the complexity of love, responsibility, family and pursuit of characters to achieve what they desire for.
Recap of Season 1:
-Xiaoyao got engaged to ChiShui FengLong.
-Cang Xuan became the king of Xiyan.
-Tushan Jing married Fangfeng Yiying.
-Xiang Liu is busy with arranging provisions for his army.
This season explores timeless themes, including the consequences of ambition and enduring nature of love and more of a tear-jerker.
My Views:-
This season delves deeper into the complexities of love, loyalty, insecurity and obsession. Xiaoyao's hidden identity and her pursuit of finding true love or a suitable partner are expertly woven throughout the narrative, showcasing her inner conflicts. Her journey has its share of ups and downs, but unfortunately, I didn't see any notable character growth, which is a disappointment. Ultimately, Xiaoyao got what she wished for her entire life, which, in my opinion, can be said a happy ending but not entirely so. While, I don't agree with her choice, I can't bring myself to blame her, it's the result of her painful past; considering that, she was unable to do otherwise.
Cang Xuan's obsession with Xiaoyao reaches new heights, while Xiang Liu's torn loyalties between his army and foster father, and love for Xiaoyao create a poignant and tragic arc. His selfless decision to break ties with Xiaoyao and ultimately sacrifice for her happiness and his army is a heart-wrenching testament to his character.
I get where Cang Xuan is coming from for his obsession with Xiaoyao. When someone loses loved ones one after another, they often become obsessed with the one who remains, driven to protect and keep them by their side, fearing separation. This is a fundamental human instinct, observable in many people. In my view, Cang Xuan's feelings for Xiaoyao aren't romantic love, but rather a deep-seated desire to keep her close, stemming from a misunderstanding of his own emotions - a classic case of obsession.
Now, we have Xiang Liu, the one who tugs at my heartstrings the most. He embodies the true definition of selfless love. When it comes to loving Xiaoyao, no one can surpasses him. His love is not possessive but progressive for Xiaoyao. His love never limited her growth nor did it become a binding chain for her outstretched wings. Instead, it made her strong. He is the one she felt the most comfortable with, to showing her vulnerable side without hesitation. She knew he can understand her and her pain the best. That's why I always say they are soulmates. She always restrained herself to not love him but love can never be restrained. She never willingly opened her heart to him, yet he unknowingly entered her dreams. He made her strong so she could protect herself, gave her someone to rely on, and provided a place or home to go even when the whole world turned on her.
"For a general, the best end is to die in battle."
- Xiang Liu
Heed these words, for they foretell a fate that will soon unfold.
Don't even get me started on Tushan Jing.. I'm so sick of this character that I don't want him to appear on my screen. While other characters are intriguing, Tushan Jing alone makes me so infuriated that I feel like throwing my phone every time he shows up. If there's a definition of a useless male lead, he'd be the perfect fit. In Season 1, I had a slightly positive impression of him and expected him to become more assertive and active, but in this season, I found myself wishing he'd die early on just to spare myself the frustration and high blood pressure. He remained a sobbing mug and a dog wagging his tail for Xiaoyao all the time. Oh! My bad, it's an insult for dogs, implying they are as pathetic as him. This guy has nothing else to do and is incapable of doing anything. All he's got is the money to win the game. And what's the point of his so called intelligence and kindness when he can't use it to solve a single problem in his own life?! But this opinion of mine is solely based on the viewing experience of drama, I still have a good impression of Jing from book.
The character development of some characters in Season 2 is done well, with characters facing significant challenges and transformations, especially A'Nian and Xiang Liu. Xiang Liu's heroic ending is a fitting conclusion to his story, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and making me bowled my eyes out for him. Grandpa of Xiaoyao and King of Haoling are one of the best characters in here.
As this season is a continuation of Season 1, a brief recap is provided to refresh our memory of the story. However, the pacing of Season 2 is somewhat slow, with noticeable scene jumping throughout the drama. Unfortunately, many important scenes were cut and changed, resulting in a lack of depth in some areas. I am dissatisfied with the changes, which left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. This season feels somewhat rushed and jumping through story arcs too quickly, so transition is choppy waters and lacking the intensity of the arcs. Nevertheless, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, as I mentioned earlier - have your tissues ready!
Acting:-
This show boasts a talented cast, with Yang Zi shining bright as Xiaoyao and evoke strong emotions. Her sad and confronting scenes are breathtaking. Her chemistry with Tan Jian Ci and Zhang Wan Yi is sizzling and undeniable, while on other hand, flat and forced with Deng Wei.
Zhang Wan Yi also gave remarkable performance showcasing the pain of Cang Xuan, his obsession and ruthlessness.
Tan Jian Ci masterfully weaves a subtle magic, his eyes speaking volumes as Xiang Liu. His performance is a raging storm on a wild night- intense and unstoppable. He will make you feel heartbreak and smile like an idiot.
Other supporting cast also did a good job.
Conclusion:-
In conclusion, Lost You Forever Season 2 is an emotionally charged continuation of the first season. With its exploration of complex themes, character development, and outstanding performances, this season is a must-watch for the ones who are looking for conclusion to the stories of the characters.
Some lost, some gained, but the gain can never make up for the loss.
While having its flaws and some characters may frustrate or infuriate, the heart-wrenching story and remarkable acting make up for it.
"You don't want me to come into your dreams.
You must sleep soundly and have sweet dreams every night.
Otherwise.....
Xiaoyao, from now on I can no longer protect you.
Take good care of yourself.
May you live in peace without worries."
- Xiang Liu
Be prepared to cry and smile as you follow Xiaoyao's journey and the touching arcs of Xiang Liu and Cang Xuan. Overall, a fantastic and memorable watch!
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Falling Short of What Could've Been The Best Drama Series in a While
Having thoroughly enjoyed the 1'st part of "Lost You Forever," I was excited to dive into the second half. The first half stood out among other Xianxia dramas with its unique storytelling and well-developed characters. Each character, despite their flaws, was compelling and drew me into their world effortlessly. The intricate plot and emotional depth of the first season set a high bar, and I had high hopes that the second season would continue this trend.However, as I began watching the second half, I quickly realized within the first two episodes that it fell short of the high standards set by its first half. The pacing felt off, and the character development that was so strong in the first half seemed to stagnate. The magic that made the first half so captivating was noticeably missing, leaving me disappointed.
One of the major issues was the pacing and the way scenes were cut. Some scenes didn't make sense, and the flow of the story felt disjointed. Critical scenes from the novel, which were essential to the plot and character development, were inexplicably left out. These omissions not only disrupted the narrative but also left significant gaps in the storyline, making it difficult to stay engaged.
Most notably, I was disappointed with the lack of Tushan Jing's character appearance and development. It felt as though the creators had given up on his character, which was a stark contrast to his importance in the first season. Tushan Jing's absence and underdevelopment were glaring issues that detracted from the overall experience. His character had so much potential and depth, and seeing it wasted was truly disheartening. Deng Wei did well with what was given to him. Wishing him the best in his upcoming drams.
Additionally, the decision to deviate from the novel's script was a major letdown. A pivotal scene, which was crucial for Xiaoyao and Cang Xuan, was reduced to an illusion. This lackluster execution undermined the emotional weight and significance of the moment. In the novel, this scene was a turning point for both characters, but the drama's adaptation failed to capture its essence, leaving it feeling hollow and unsatisfying.
The best part about the second half of the season was undoubtedly Cang Xuan. This season truly belonged to him, showcasing his descent from a loving brother to an obsessed and tormented brother. Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was exceptional. His performance was so compelling that even when Cang Xuan made horrible decisions, it was impossible to hate his character. Instead, you felt a deep sense of pity for him. As someone who sits on the throne, you'd expect Cang Xuan to have more choices and freedom with his power, but instead, all you see are the restraints and burdens that make him a prisoner to the throne and people.
Despite my disappointment with his development in season 2, Tushan Jing remained my favorite character. He is sweet, kind, intelligent, and most importantly, loyal. No matter how badly people, especially his brother, treated him—even wanting and attempting to kill him—he never had any malice towards them. As a clan leader from a huge and powerful family, he could easily use his power to his advantage, taking out anybody who poses a threat to him and his loved ones. But he chooses not to because that is not who he is. Tushan Jing is resilient and respectful, and while some audiences might see this as weakness, it is precisely why he stands out as my favorite.
Though I disliked Xiang Liu at first, I started to appreciate his character as the story progressed. Initially, he came across as greedy and ruthless, making questionable decisions that aligned with his nature as a feared nine-headed demon. However, the more I watched, the more I realized how kind and loving he could be. His love for Xiaoyao was evident, yet he couldn't be with her due to his loyalty to his Chenrong army. Xiang Liu embodies the chaos and danger that Xiaoyao is trying to avoid. Having experienced turmoil in her early life, Xiaoyao now seeks peace and loyalty, which she finds in Tushan Jing. Xiang Liu is a morally grey character who sacrificed much for Xiaoyao's happiness, adding layers to his complex persona.
Xiaoyao, the female lead of the story, was the only constant character that needed no development because her character was already perfect, even with flaws. She was someone who could love deeply but would easily abandon anyone she disliked. She was a good person as Wen Xiao Liu to her family in the rejuvenation hall, a loyal sister to Cang Xuan and A Nian, a wonderful companion to Xiang Liu, and a loving partner to Tushan Jing. Actress Yangzi outdid herself in "Lost You Forever," bringing Xiaoyao to life with such nuance and depth. Her performance was compelling and heartfelt, capturing Xiaoyao's strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Yangzi's ability to portray a character with such emotional range and authenticity was a highlight of the series.
In conclusion, while "Lost You Forever" season 2 had the potential to build on the solid foundation of the first season, it ultimately fell short. The first season's unique blend of storytelling and character development set a high bar, and unfortunately, the second season was unable to live up to those expectations. The pacing issues, critical scene omissions, lack of Tushan Jing's character development, and deviation from the novel's script all contributed to a disappointing viewing experience. However, Zhang Wan Yi's portrayal of Cang Xuan was a standout, bringing depth and complexity to his character's tragic arc, and was the highlight of the season. Tushan Jing, despite his limited screen time, remained a beacon of resilience and integrity, making him a truly unforgettable character. Xiang Liu's evolution from a feared demon to a character of depth and sacrifice also added a compelling layer to the drama. And finally, Yangzi's portrayal of Xiaoyao was nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying her as a central, unwavering force in the series.
OST is a 10/10. I love love Cang Xuan's theme song.
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Lost You Forever as a live adaptation almost made it.
Lost You Forever as a live adaptation almost made it; it could have been perfect. All the elements that brought magic to the world of DaHuang—world-building, complex characters, cinematography, direction, film composition, and editing—were by far the most beautiful and complex I've seen in contemporary Chinese dramas. Based on Tong Hua's novel of the same name, it chronicles Xiao Yao's life and journey to a peaceful existence through entanglements, political upheavals, and depression.World-building and complex characters were LYF's strongest feats. As a character-led story, we find ourselves moving through all the emotions as we watch our favorite characters succeed and fail, trip and fall, and get up and brush off, in a cycle of questionable decision-making, inability to take action, or willfulness confined in their psychological prisons against a backdrop of reverse harem romance. No character was free from flaws, and no character was inherently good or evil—a melting pot of antiheroes, antivillains, and villains.
Romance-wise, the story plays on multiple tropes present in every Chinese drama one can think of. From childhood promises, 15-year oaths and blood oaths, to piggyback rides, savior complexes, and underwater kisses, Lost You Forever is no exception. There are plenty of heart-inducing moments for all with four different suitors and relationships.
Plot-wise, the story is at its weakest, with Xiao Yao's only ambition in life being to have a life with the person who will always put her first and never abandon her, while Cang Xuan wants to rule the world so he can protect Xiao Yao. Sprinkled among these two plots are cheesy romances, assassination attempts, broken promises, underwater dates, and personal sacrifices (a majority coming from Xiang Liu).
In terms of characters, the drama attempted but failed to portray Xiao Yao's struggle with low self-esteem, self-worth, and depression. These character traits were most prominent in her and plagued her decisions and how she interacted with the people around her. Her feelings of isolation and misplaced identity among her noble peers were also not touched on, all of which were important to her character development (devolving) and her choices, and which would prominently reveal her relationship dynamics among her male leads.
Instead, the drama's attempt to skim over the thematics of trauma-guided decision-making in order to portray an empowered woman whose unwavering requirements for a lover (one who will always put her first and never abandon her) made her out to be a shallow, tunnel-visioned, and uncompromising character wallowing in self-pity. Her dissonance from her environment made her quite ignorant in many aspects. At least, in the novel, her depression can be attributed to her dissonance and disassociation. She desired no power but failed to see the costs of the peaceful life she desired. And without her understanding of those sacrifices, Xiao Yao, as a character like her novel counterpart, has very little character development. In the end, Xiao Yao as a protagonist fails to impress me as the empowered woman the drama had hoped to portray, which comes as such a pity, as XY's character had so much potential in the first act, the Qingshiu Town arc.
In terms of male leads, Cang Xuan's character development being chucked away as some kind of dream in the third act amounted to incredibly lazy writing and it takes away from his growth. From wanting to protect the one he loved the most, to losing her in the end due to his obsession, Cang Xuan emerges to be Xiao Yao's worst enemy, but his eventual self-admittance in defeat to his circumstances and finally realizing that loving Xiao Yao means to let her go comes back in a beautiful circle—that he had lost her once, and he'll lose her again. However, the drama downplaying his villainy took away the power of this narrative.
Jing as a character, ironically, remains true to his novel counterpart, written to fulfill Xiao Yao's requirements, to help bring XY's journey into closure. The drama did attempt to bring dimensionality to his character by giving him extra lines (some stolen from Xiang Liu's character) and extra scenes, attempting to make him more proactive in the plot. However, due to lack of character development and poor character setup, his stagnancy keeps him tied to XY as the plot device to her eventually getting what she had most wanted.
Xiang Liu, the novel readers' favorite character, continues to dominate the story and plot. Despite XL being criticized for several out-of-character scenes and for being too lovelorn, like his novel counterpart who never wasted a single word or page, XL commanded and captivated every minute in the drama. Even though the drama changed and omitted several key scenes and downplayed his relationship with Xiao Yao, XL remains a complete character with a complete arc.
Acting-wise, I believe it is Yangzi's best performance and I hope she continues to grow. She shines the most in her scenes with Tan Jianci, making their on-screen chemistry sizzle like no other. There are a few times where one can tell that Yangzi could have pushed her facial expressions more or that there's just one thing missing to make it a perfect portrayal of Xiao Yao.
Zhang Wangyi portrays Cang Xuan, managing to captivate and bring together a prince whose growing obsession over his love for XY is slowly chipping away his sanity. Zhang Wangyi does a beautiful job of projecting confined jealousy on his face, and these are the moments I live for.
Deng Wei portrays Tushan Jing and my critique of his acting is that he still seems to be very camera conscious, and that shows through his awkward performances. In contrast, Wang Hongyi brings together Chiusui Feng Long, portraying a young noble whose personality is filled with fond memories and optimistic ambitions.
However, it is Tan Jianci's portrayal of Xiang Liu that captivated me the most, as well as many audiences around the world. His immense repertoire for micro-expressions, line delivery, and control body movements brought a convincing Xiang Liu to life.
Among the pretty costumes and beautiful soundtrack, things start to fall at the seams, particularly in the writing of character arcs, conflict resolution, and plot closure. A limited budget also hindered the possibilities within DaHuang that the imagination didn't hold back. Despite strong characters, the adaptation shied away from delving deeper into the heaviest theme present in the novel: how trauma and psychological disorders cripple healthy decision-making.
When you have a world based on mythology, you expect to see a visual interpretation worthy of those myths, which the budget of the drama eventually failed to produce. Production design and CGI were lackluster, in some areas simply looking terrible, i.e., the blood faucet, Xiao Yao's mediocre cherry blossoms, Jade Lake, and Queen Mother's lotus are among the worst culprits. And then throwing in censorship, poor writing experience, and linear storytelling, LYF just couldn't move over the typical threshold that has been holding back Chinese storytelling on the small screen.
LYF had so much potential in the first half, but in the second half where the story starts to come together in closure, it utterly failed to encompass the world of DaHuang, as well as portray the poetry of Tong Hua's novel.
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Hiatus ruined it for me
After a long wait we are back again in the LYF world with more heart quenching story-full of tears and misunderstandings and obviously all the blood coughing scenes which are the backbone of all the xianxia dramas but this time with... low budget. The story started slow, pretty much at the same pace as it was in the last season and dragged on for a long time and we were stuck in a loop of obsessive love of Cang xuan, miserable and helpless Jing (pretty much sidelined) and our stubborn nine headed demon (we know he is our favourite) and rotating between them is our FL who somehow turned into a teenager rather than a mature lady after transforming into a female body. I was oscillating between 'lets drop it' to ' oh! that was a good episode'. All the characters still struggled with their dilemmas and the only character with clear mindset was not so important Fenglong guy (he was very clear about everything unlike others and had his priorities straight.) I mean atleast he vocalised his thoughts clearly. This season lacked a lot in many things. First of all they had no budget to show a single battle not even the final one!! some characters were written so badly that I almost felt like I came back to my Nickelodeon era. ( Yes, I am talking about Nian). There were so many good actors yet their potentials were not utilised properly.And what happened to their costumes I couldn't believe when I saw the wedding episode. It was so simple. The editing was little off in certain scenes, it almost felt choppy. I think the main reason for viewers to not feel so connected with the characters was the long hiatus. The budget wasn't as good as season 1. The whole show only worked because of the acting especially towards the end which redeemed its earlier lack lustre performance. I would still remember the show because of the season 1 and the way I felt connected with each one of them in it.
The show bid farewell with happy ending and I really liked the way they summed it all up. I think the show had many meanings: For Cang Xuan who lost his obsessive love for the greater good forever. For Nine headed demon who lost his first unrequited love for his commitment to his army, forever. And for viewers, who lost our Nine headed demon forever. TT
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Hmmm....
While S1 did exceptionally well, S2 did not live up to expectations. Perhaps it was the long wait in between the two seasons or the added changes (both major and minor), the story towards the end really deviated from the beloved novel.First off, i think the casting and soundtrack for this drama was very well done and put together. Every single actor/actress fit their role and executed it to the best of their abilities.
YZ as always is top notch when it comes to emotional ranges. Her heightened emotional scenes leaves lingering impact. She has chemistry with every one on screen and brings out the best in all her co stars. Her character, Xiao Yao had more wits, courage, and layers in S1. As we progress into S2, her character became meek, submissive, and even at times, hard to understand cause her decisions didnt make sense nor did they aligned with her personality. Despite the inconsistencies, XY remains true to her root of just wanting a stable and carefree life and she will follow whatever path that will lead her there.
Deng Wei did well exhibiting the lovestruck, pure, insecured, and brokenhearted-ness of his character. I'm familiar with him and he really shines best when he's crying on screen. LOL good looking face and pretty tears. His character, Tushan Jing had a bigger impact in S1. He had goals and duties that kept him grounded and made him more chief-like. In S2, it appears that all his duties as the chief just disappeared. His whole world was just his woman. Don't get me wrong, this isnt bad but i prefer it when a character has something else going for them outside of love. I dont like it when a character comes an accessory.
I'm not familiar with Tian Jian Ci or Zhang Wangyi but these two completely blew me away with their performances!!
Zhang Wanyi, the emotional ranges and minimal facial expressions he emits exceeded all expectations. Even in very minor scenes, the unspoken bitterness, jealously, and longing that oozes out of his eyes was a pleasure to watch. He truly understands acting cause his body language in every scene (even without dialogues) was impressive. His character Cang Xuan, becomes an obsessive and possessive man who manipulates and calculates everything and everyone around him. I think he is the most unhinged, the scariest and ruthless character in the story. He's willing to do anything to get what he wants. There were some inconsistencies with his choices and actions towards the end of the story that just wasn't Cang Xuan.
Tian Jian Ci embodied his character. His demeanor, mannerisms, and body languages truly spoke a thousand words (since his character isn't much or a talker). His character, Xiangliu, the rebel general whose beyond saving cause he didn't want to be saved. His motives are clear and his choices remains true to his character arc in S1. However, he became extremely lovesick and even unlike himself in certain scenes. Perhaps the writer wanted to him to show some sweet emotions for fan service, but I felt at times that it was out of character. His character overall is very written and you can feel that as the story progress just how heavy the burden he was carrying was getting through his wavering actions and thoughts. His character growth was slow but worth watching.
Overall, though this season didn't do as well, it will forever leave an impact on me. If you watch both seasons back to back, I'm sure the story would flow better.
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I really wanted to love this season of Lost You Forever. The first one was achingly beautiful - the dangerous, chaotic world of Dahuang was brought to life. Against the backdrop of such a world was our incredible cast of characters, yearning for healing and life, striving to achieve a world where everyone could live in peace and happiness but finding it very difficult to do so.Season 2 picks up where the first left off. Xiaoyao is betrothed to marry Chishui Fenglong, Cang Xuan’s confidante and a buddy of Jing’s. The wedding fails to go through when the charismatic Fangfeng Bei gloriously crashes it and takes the bride away. What ensues are many twists and turns before Xiaoyao can find her happiness.
This story continues with our brother and sister duo to their respective ends - but the drama is not exactly the story originally laid out in the novel of the same name. Notably, the character of Cang Xuan is significantly altered, and it is from here that I feel a lot of the missteps in this season originate from. We are teased with a dream/illusion sequence that follows the novel, but since it did not truly happen, the last section of episodes start to unravel in logic and dramatic tension.
Warning: major spoilers ahead.
In the novel, it is Cang Xuan who joins forces with Tushan Hou to do away with Jing out of jealousy. Here, it is Chenrong Xinyue, the Empress, who is the main culprit. Because of this change, Xinyue becomes yet another one-dimensional villainess, and Cang Xuan essentially is not allowed his character arc as in the novel. Instead, he is inserted into scenes where other main characters should have been highlighted, and the end result is a bit of a muddled narrative. Story themes, character arcs and just plain exciting moments are lost in translation.
Ultimately, all of the foreshadowing and build up of Cang Xuan’s jealousy of Jing and of his desire to possess Xiaoyao do not really get to go anywhere satisfying. The power of raw emotion in the illusion episodes is quite effecting (if a bit overdone), but alas, it dissipates after Cang Xuan wakes up from his tea-induced illusion. More importantly, the use of an illusion sequence makes a lot of the rest of the scenes devoid of the tension and urgency seen in the novel. There is no shock when he confesses his love to Xiaoyao. There is no urgency or poignancy to Xiang Liu saving Jing (because Cang Xuan is actively searching for Jing here in the drama as well). And there is no urgency for Jing to return when Xiaoyao is at Jade Mountain before she becomes the next Queen Mother. There is ultimately no reason for Jing and XY to disappear from CX - and there is not the pain felt on the part of the audience, which was so heartbreakingly conveyed in the novel - that eternal sense of longing, missing and losing her forever.
The cast do their best with the much weakened script - but one can only make screaming, throwing tantrums or standing there without lines or purpose in a scene really that interesting.
If you enjoyed season 1, this is still a decent watch to see Tushan Jing finally work together with Xiaoyao to get back at Yiying and Hou. A’Nian, Ru Shou and some other supporting characters (Lirong Chang) also are a delight to watch. Fenglong and Xiang Liu’s deaths also leave a strong mark. However, if you are fan of the original novel, there is no balm, medicine or poison that can soothe one’s disappointment in not seeing a truly faithful adaptation come alive on screen. Perhaps it is best to say the opportunity was there, but it is now lost forever.
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The best and worst of cdramas; incredible characters but, unsurprisingly, a lukewarm conclusion
[Note: I'm rating this season lower than I rated the first season because it really was a lot worse, sadly. For this season 2 alone, I rate it a 7. For the entire drama, an 8/10. On a personal level, because I love the characters so much, it's a 10/10 for me, despite how it ended. ][Copy and pasted from my review of season 1]
This drama is not very action-focused or fast-paced as it's very much character driven. What happens when traumatized children grow up? How do they heal or regress? Who are the people in our lives who were important chapters in our lives but may not stay with us forever? What's more important: my duty or my love? This drama is full of interesting and flawed characters and their relationship & dynamic to one another, especially with the female lead to the male leads. NOTE RIGHT NOW: If you dislike female leads having "romantic" moments with multiple men (or dislike the men being "disloyal" by marrying other women), then this drama is NOT for you. This drama does a fine job in showing her potential future with different men, especially how each men are important to her and how they fulfill different parts. I personally didn't have any conflict over this because it's well written and makes logical sense, considering what each character has gone through.
Also, great acting from all the characters, especially yang zi, zhang wanyi, tan jianci, and deng wei. The amount I've cried from watching yang zi crying? The way yang zi and zhang wanyi have such an electric and tragic tone underneath every conversation they have? It's no wonder that this season 1 (and some of the actors) won plenty of awards in 2023.
This drama (season 1) will break your heart. It's angst, hurt/comfort, tender, sweet, and heartbreaking. (The title is "Lost You Forever," you know?) Absolutely 10/10, no notes.
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-------------------------slight spoilers for season 2------------------------------------
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On season 2 and how it damaged this drama: I rated this drama 8/10--still high--because I enjoyed season 1 and parts of season 2 very much. But season 2's ending did irreparable ruin to the storyline and so this is really closer to a 7/10 for that unsatisfying ending. It was so lukewarm that it's laughable and so I don't even consider it a real ending.
NOTE: What caused the drastic changes? Lots of speculation: drama behind the production, actor favoritism, China censorship (which includes "hero-washing" the actions of flawed characters). Season 2 of the drama also got trimmed a lot from like 30 episodes to 23 episodes. So, it's clear at several spots that there are huge jumps in times and supporting characters who are suddenly brought forth to the main storyline...
The biggest betrayal of the storyline was that it ruined the character development of several of the main characters and thus was completely frustrating and unsatisfying. It happened in the final 4 episodes. Thus, I have personally elected to ignore most of what happened in the final 4 episodes, especially the "twist"--because it would not make sense.
If you're someone who can separate the two seasons like I have and consider that the good outweigh the bad, then you'll probably enjoy a lot of what this drama have to give. But if you're someone who considers the overall drama and considers the ending as an important part to conclude the entire drama, then this drama will hurt you. This drama was so highly rated in 2023 because of its interesting characters and dynamics. But season 2, especially the ending, did not follow through with some of them. So it's incredibly disappointing.
But I supposed this drama is like the final nail in the coffin, serving as a caution for Chinese dramas watchers: If even this incredible drama was reduced by its ending, can we trust Chinese dramas to give us satisfying endings from now on?
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Lost You Forever S2 crashed out with a few laps left to go
After waiting and anticipating for an entire year, reading the novel, reading the leaked script to sustain our fervour for the story and characters, to say Season2 was a huge disappointment is an understatement.While I can understand budget limitations for scene downgrades, removing of characters or even remove entire arcs of the novel, I was at least expecting some integrity in the scenes that have been chosen to remain.
Instead we received a horrendous merging of plot points, as if the team wanted to check all their boxes somehow, and succeeding in ruining every single moment instead. We also had inexplicable plot changes that made no sense at all, when they tried to link it back to novel events in their weak attempt to guide the mess back to the novel's path.
In short, almost nothing went right in Season2. Characters failed to display their potential, cop outs galore.
I finished it for closure and will go back to reread the novel to remove this horrid taste the drama left.
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Cang Xuan is the one to watch this season.
Cang Xuan's character devolvement into a jealous man is what has me on tenterhooks. His feelings for Xiao Yao are finally going to explode, the previews of the future episodes look heartbreaking for all involved. Zhang Wang Yi is such a terrific actor, no other actor could have done a better job. What I have come to like about him is that once he figured out Xiao Yao's identity he did not ever treat her poorly. He looked out for her and it was reciprocated by Xiao Yao. It is just a twist of fate that his obsession took a romantic turn otherwise the bond they shared is truly amazing. Of course there will be a redemption arc for him, but this will result it Xiao Yao loosing more years with Jing.I'm pretty sure that Xiao Yao & Ye Shiqi end up together, I'm all for it. I get why people get so mad at him, all he needed was just a little spine and he would have been a perfect character. I am not looking forward to the death of two pretty decent characters and it is hard to believe that they will be gone just like that.
Chenrong Xin Yue lost the chance to get into Xuan's good graces. Had she married him before, he would have treated her better. Now, she is here just for the prestige, her love was pretty shallow. But it is not like Xuan loves her or has the capability to do so. So, maybe they are well matched. It would suck if she doesn't pay for things that she does. I like her brother, he seems like a decent person and has been loyal to Xuan all throughout.
They went out of the way to make Tushan Jing appear weak. I'm really disappointed with the creators with regards to how they handled the final showdown between the Tushan brother. Before this, I never considered him weak, but the fight actually made it seem as if he couldn't fight at all. (I wonder if he was in a formation of some kind - I might need to rewatch the episode) But all the talk of fair fight from Tushan Hou suggests that there wasn't a formation. The fight scene should have been more charged. All the other scenes from these two episodes were more powerful compared to this one. His death seemed like an afterthought. We also finally see Fenglong do something against his conscience, taking credit for Jing's contribution. But with is last breath, he did manage to reveal the truth. I didn't want him to pay for his sister's mistakes. Despite her past, Chengrong Xin Yue had no redeeming qualities, only a brother who loved her would go to such lengths to save her life.
After completing the series, I have a new outlook on Xiang Lu. I did not like him in the first season at all, but I am not one to deny all he did for Xiao Yao. While he may not have been a good partner like TJ, he is the reason both Xiao Yao & TJ survived so far. He knew he wasn't right for her, so he did everything he could to make sure the right one ended up with her. He wasn't selfish with his love for Xiao Yao, he also made sure that she would have no regrets by leaving none of him behind. It is to be admired, the ability to love and let go. His death was gruesome and sad, I wish the rebel faction would have made better choices. But he died a hero who was loyal to his people till the end.
I agree with a lot of people, I am a bit disappointed that they treated the Xuan's killing TJ and the poisoning as an illusion, because it was in character for him to do it. I think that scene was sacrificed when the episodes were cut, so they had put in the Xin Yue's attempt on Xiao Yao's life and this scene together. It just felt that those emotionally charged scenes were all for naught. Cang Xuan's entire life was for the throne so it isn't surprising when he chose the throne over Xiao Yao. Had Xiao Yao even had any feelings for him, she would have been let down all her life.
Tushan Jing might have seemed like the safest choice for all and to some it may also feel like she settled, but Xiao Yao's love for him was undeniable. I'm pretty sure that even had she known all Xiang Lu did for her, she would have still chosen Jing. She would have felt indebted to Xiang Lu and conflicted because she did have some feelings but what she felt for TJ was far superior in her heart. Tushan Jing might not be the perfect ML that everyone wants or revers, but Like Xiao Yao I think he was gold. He was kind and ready to give up all and everything for Xiao Yao, how good for her that she fell in love with a guy like that. She needed that the most in her life.
I am bit confused about the ending though, if I got it right, XY died in their journey to compile the books. But there was no mention of TJ. I mean if XY died there's no way TJ would go on living not unless they had children. (I might have to rewatch this one again) Their visit to the Qinshui town also suggested that XY might be dead, here's to hoping that that's not the case and we get an extra episode for an epilogue.
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