Remarkable and brilliant. I’m still trying to gather my thoughts. From characters to storytelling, to cinematography to casting, this drama delivered on so many cinematic levels and more.

What drew me to this drama in the first place was actress, Zhao Lusi. Not once has she ever disappointed me in the roles she has played. Although I am a romance junkie, I was fascinated by why she chose a character somewhat out of the genre and out of her comfort zone. Now, I know why.

This drama is called, The Story of Pearl Girl. It’s not the Romance of The Story of Pearl Girl. How this series stayed consistent and true to Duan Wu’s life’s journey was brilliantly done. We watch her grow and evolve while finding love on the way. Her struggles leapt out of the screen. Her emotions embraced and pulled me into her world. Her acting is on another level. How she empowered everyone around her was also magnificent and inspiring.

A shout out to Liu Yuning who mastered his role as Yan Zijing. I don’t believe anyone could have played this role any better. His ability to carry a scene with sometimes little dialogue left a great impression. Expressions can be overdone and underdone. I believe he understood his character so well and brought to life a memorable character by his performance.

Now, to the love story that I didn’t expect, to be honest. I told myself, If I saw at least one kiss scene from the leads, I’d be happy. However, we didn’t just get a kiss scene, we watched a remarkable romance of togetherness unfold before our eyes For a drama where romance wasn’t the main focus, they somehow wove in a gem of a love story that will not be soon forgotten. Even dramas that have “love” in their titles cannot come close to how the series did justice to the character’s and feelings and emotions toward one another.

Overall, The Story of Pearl Girl has left a lasting impression that will resonate with me for many months, if not years to come.