Karpanei
Sri Lanka
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Let me start by saying that I absolutely loooooooved this drama. Whats more, I read somewhere that it is loosely connected to the drama Legend of Fuyao (which I loved too). The FL is supposed to be the last descendant of Wuji and Fuyao.Cast
How could I not know Chen Kun. His acting was just woooow! I loved all his expressions and his deep raspy voice. I think he was born to play the role of Ning Yi. Ning Yi is supposed to be 26-28 in the drama but Chen Kun's portrayal of him was of someone older. I'm not saying this coz Chen Kun is in his 40s (So hot for a man that age) but because the character was so much mature and calculating and strategic that only comes with age and experience.
Ni Ni is definitely on my list of favorite actresses. She was just awesome as Zhu Wei and Wei Zhu. Even when she cross dresses she pulls it off. I usually cringe when females in dramas cross dress and nobody can tell that it is a girl. Oh btw in the drama, people who had met the FL as a female could tell who she was even when she dressed as a male. Every time Ni Ni cried in the drama I cried with her.
I think all the other casts were perfect as well. I really liked the emperor although he is an antagonist and headmaster Xin. Even the bad guys did a good job coz I really hated them. I think the one I hated the most was the 7th prince because he started all nice and innocent but was a scheming b. I also thought that there weren't any unnecessary characters because usually in other dramas there are side plots with their own little romances that bore me to death.
Plot
The plot is not very unique. Its about princes fighting for the throne but I liked how cunning and strategic the ML was. The villains were cunning too which kept me on edge. I hated the whole bloody pagoda coz they just appeared everywhere and contributed little to the whole plot except to make the fact that the FL was forbidden love for the ML. I loved the fact that the FL wasn't an airhead and could actually contribute especially to the ML. There aren't many cool fighting scenes in this drama. I also love the fact that the people around the ML were very loyal to him, even people who intended to betray him like the eunuch sent to spy on Ning Yi by the emperor.
Romance
The romance here is slow burn and they just kiss once but the leads chemistry was sizzling. This is the romance I like where the leads are not all kissy kiss but can communicate their love by gazing into each other's eyes. Also they loved and trusted each other and were very understanding. And pet names. Little raccoon. Aww I loved it when the leads give pet names to their significant other.
Minor Spoiler ***Although FL married prince Helian she repeatedly expressed how she loved Ning Yi. Although circumstances forced them to never be a couple they acknowledged the love they had for each other and constantly worried, cared and were there for each other. I like how the FL believes that the ML would never do something wrong and evil, although this does not apply to the last two episodes. Spoiler end***
Costumes
I liked the costumes, they were all colorful and eye catching. Although I didnt like the ML's costumes most of the time. They were either too loose on him or made him have a pot belly. And did anyone laugh at his stripped pants. They looked like pajamas. At first I didn't like his long hair either but I grew to like it. But the emperors, the other princes and other characters all had good costumes. I especially like the FLs wedding costume and anything she wore as a female.
OST
Did I mention how much I love when I come to know that the leads sing their own OST. NiNi sings the ending OST and that makes the drama more endearing to me. I wouldn't download the tracks and listen to them but the OST and other music in the drama flowed with the story and was pleasant to hear.
Overall
Will def re-watch this drama. Although I hear many say that the last couple of episodes aren't good I choose to disagree. It was slow but it provided the closure needed minus the whole bloody pagoda/slave market which could have been skipped. Also I'm not a huge fan of the ending either but I understand and since I expected the worst sorta accept it. PS I feel that the title of the drama has no connection to the story.
Edit: Chen Kun's expressions specially when he s being sad, petulant are that of a 26 year old or someone much younger. But since he clearly doesn't look 26 sometimes It comes off as overacting (which I honestly didn't mind). But I am curious about something, often in the palace Ning YI assumes this look of I am just a poor, harmless little innocent boy while the next minute he looks at the antagonist with a look that says, I'm all schemey and ruthless inside. It reminds me of when Gus and Shawn from Psych turn their backs and try to figure stuff out. Its hilarious coz although it looks good on camera If I were in the palace I would see though Ning Yi.
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Finally a strong female character
Well, this was an interesting and refreshing story. Although I love seeing strong female leads I guess I also want to see an equally strong male lead but in this drama the roles were reversed. Although I loved the female lead, and how courageous she was , the ML was no match for her and was the cringy femal-ish character but guess what, I enjoyed this series.Things that I loved;
The Female Lead was awesome. I liked her body language too. You know how in Legend of Fu Yao, Yang Mi acts all tough, but then she didn't quite convince me that she was tough and I felt like she was showing off overly male gestures and body language, but Sandra Ma was just perfect. She was tough and yet at the same time there was something feminine about her. She fit the role to a T and I honestly enjoyed watching her.
The Story was good too. I didn't notice many plot holes and everything finished up neatly at the end. Oops, I think that is a spoiler! The story was a perfect blend of romance and comedy with a little bit of politics thrown into it, and the main leads had a good, healthy relationship and didn't break up, even toward the end which is a cliché in most C and K Dramas. (The MLs separating for a bit at the end I mean).
The Romance was so swoon-worthy. I think the FL was so confident in her strength that she willingly submitted to the weaker ML instead of being like I am stronger than you, I wont submit to you. And although the ML was weaker than the FL, physically, I think they complemented each other because he is very shrewd and cunning, helping the FL overcome challenges.
The OST was so beautiful and catchy. It still rings in my head and like you would probably know if you have read my previous reviews, any OSTs with the leads of the drama singing, makes it that much more endearing for me and well the ML sang the OST so there.
The costumes and set were so nice, well not always (they sometimes over did it) but the colour palettes were nice. And there are so many scenes with a wind fan :D At first you enjoy those scenes and then they became a tad bit annoying and then it's hilarious.
And a final thing, just because the FL is tough doesn't make her a lesbian and just because the ML is feminine doesn't make him gay, and yes while he put me off in the beginning and wore a bright shade of pink lipstick throughout the drama, he grew on me and I enjoyed the drama and yes the drama does get a bit draggy sometimes but it was so hilarious to watch them debunk so many clichés.
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I truly enjoyed this drama. It's sorta like a hallmark movie just longer. It was hilarious and the romance kept me on edge. I loved the acting of the main leads especially the ML's facial expressions, hand movements and body language. Oh I loved how the leads would whisper to each other with their lips closed. Hilarious! The romance is just swoon worthy.This drama can be categorized under fluff because truly there were no bad guys. Although I thought the Xiao Bin was bit over the top I grew to like his funny behavior and he kept the bubbliness going I guess. Plus he makes one amazing friend.
I don't know much about cooking but I really felt like what they were talking about was believable and not just any nonsense to keep the plot going. Overall everything in the plot seemed okay although there were some cliche stuff but which drama doesn't have them. But wait, whats with shooting stars in dramas. I mean I am 25 and I have never seen a shooting star in my life but in dramas you just see meteor showers left right and center.
What I hated about the drama was the FL trying to make the ML jealous to figure out if he loves her when he clearly expressed several times that he did. What! I can understand the FL does not immediately have to fall for the ML just because he confessed but it was like the writers didn't know how to slow down the romance and they gave stupid reasons. But thankfully t was just for 2-3 episodes.
Aww the grandson, grandma moments were just too cute. Made me miss for mine. And what an amazing grandma. She is the epitome of with age comes wisdom.
I like how mature the ML acts knowing the 3rd person is actively pursing his love until he acts all stupid in the final two episodes.. For once the ML is acting his age. I mean I do adore when he acts all silly too. I like the way he talks too. And speaking about the last two episodes, these were the only ones I didn't enjoy. I thought this type of breaking up during the last episodes cliche existed only in k-dramas.
The music editing is really bad, it was so choppy but the music was nice. I also liked how each episode ended with a cliffhanger or suspense. I noticed in c-dramas episodes end erratically but here they were well planned.
Overall I'm definitely gonna re-watch this drama especially for em smooches. Great watch to just chill and binge or take a break from something else.
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Quick watch with cute romantic interactions
Cast and ActingI really loved the cast and the acting was great from everybody. I really like the cute moments the ML and FL shared. Man I'm so in love with Kris Fu.
Plot
The drama depicted teen love and was sort of realistic. The ML has never been in love before and his struggles on how to please the girl and ask advice from his friend were all realistic. I especially loved the scene where he was practicing romantic moves to the pool chair. Haha! I hated all the break-up/make-up and felt the ML and FL broke up for really stupid reasons. Otherwise I think this drama was perfect. The drama didn't leave any plot holes but the last episode was rushed and sort of didn't make sense. It was like they wanted to give the story a happy ending and they just wrapped everything up hurriedly.
Overall
I really recommend this drama since I'm very picky when it comes to C-dramas but I really enjoyed this one but this drama is to be taken very lightheartedly and to be watched for its teen love romantic interactions. But if you hate the hate-love-relationship of the main leads then this one is not for you.
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Okay I watched this drama because I was in a drama slump and I have to admit that this is my first Taiwanese drama. I honestly didn't have much exceptions and maybe that is part of the reason why I enjoyed this drama so much.I've previously watched the c-drama Arsenal Military Academy and in terms of gender/bender this drama is so much similar to that. The story is about a girl masquerading as a boy and nobody knows except her parents and a cousin. The plot is fuuuuuuuuuull of cliches and I mean at every turn. You definitely have to watch this drama with an open mind because **spoiler the ML falls for the FL believing the FL is a male. spoiler ends** I think what I loved most about the drama was that this was sort of like true love where the ML falls for the nature of the person than the looks/gender. I definitely found the drama cringe-y and I had to shout at the screen several times "this is not how a man behaves with another man". And the FL really looked liked a man so you might feel like you are watching a bl drama. Some scenes were just so cheesy but they were hilarious too. PS I have to add that I just found the second leads story unnecessary and just skipped through them. They had all the usual troupes!
**spoiler: So they actually revealed that the FL is a female only in the last episode but the ML actually knew about it half way through the drama! This made me re-watch those episodes and I understood why the ML behaved the way he did**
And so like I said previously you need to watch it with an open mind and just for laughs. It doesn't have a serious story but maybe a moral. I would re-watch it if I needed some mindless fluff and for Baron Chen (hehe).
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I honestly watched this drama for (a) get over Ashes of Love (b) to catch glimpses of the ML and his broad shoulders but to my amazement I really loved and enjoyed it. Usually strong ML's are portrayed broody and who rarely smile but I was happy to see the ML in this story have a cheeky smile on his face always.Cast and Acting
Overall I think all the cast did a good job but I also wish that the FL was someone else. Not because she didn't do a good job acting, I just didn't connect with her. I did find some of the characters a little annoying at first but grew to like them. The ML also did a good job but mostly I just watched him for his broad shoulders so that did distract me from noticing his acting skills. I also liked the Divine Doctor. He was my 2nd favorite character after the ML. He was all mysterious but always appeared when the leads where in trouble. But I also felt that there were too many casts, too many side stories and side romances.
Plot
I really liked the idea of the story of a strong FL and a strong ML who together tackle any issues thrown their way. I also liked the fact that they got together pretty early and didn't break up for stupid reasons in between but continued to love and care for each other. They were such a power couple. There were lot of cliches in the story but they managed to pull off the cliches. I'll mention a few under spoiler below:
spoiler*** The FL has to be killed for the world to be saved, the ML is the destined one to kill the FL, the FL is actually a princess***
There was a hint of a love triangle but the FL and ML's love and trust towards each other was amazing. That doesn't mean that there weren't times they got jealous but they acted like adults instead of losing their heads about it and these things only brought them closer together. I specially loved the devotion the ML and FL had for each other. How they respected each others actions and wishes.
The best part of the drama for me was the first 20ish episodes. Though the CGI was bad here, I liked the whole mysterious appeal of the ML. Spoiler *** He acted like this weak person who couldn't think for himself but was actually a brilliant strategist. And when I knew he was the crow prince of all 5 kingdoms I couldn't help squealing, but thereafter he lost his mysterious appeal. Spoiler end***
In the drama both FL and ML are supposed to be brilliant strategists and they were in the beginning but as the story progressed they sometimes acted blind and I was like you are supposed to be brilliant not dumb. As the story developed it sorta become repetitive and lost a bit of appeal.
Costumes
I wasn't very impressed with any of the costumes in the drama. The FL's was just ugly and all sorts of gaudy later on. The ML's I sorta of liked in the beginning but they also weren't that great. This is my second historical/Wuxia drama and I really looked forward for the billowy sleeves but was very disappointed.
OST
The OST was nice but it took some time for me to grow to like it. The drum beats throughout was very captivating tho. My thoughts on the OST is biased though coz I was still hung over Ashes of Love OST while watching this.
Significant Plot holes (Please explain of you can)
1. The ending wasn't very clear and I wish they did another episode to settle things
2. Is Tai Yan the ML's step sister (By his dad and aunt/stepmom)?
3. If the rightful heir of the Xuanji kingdom didn't appear which will make the phoenix of the purple phoenix mountain go away, which in turn will release the evil spirit there, wont killing the FL be redundant anyway. = kill FL the evil spirit will get released. Don't kill FL she will release the evil spirit.
4. How did Dr Zhong and Wu Ji meet?
Overall
I will definitely rewatch it but can someone please explain why cdrama's start good and end not so good.
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I really do think Deng Lun and Yang Zi are a match made in heaven and belong together IRL but even if they are just good friends I am happy. They had that fiery chemistry between them which I think is one of the reasons this drama was so successful.Cast and Acting
Yang Zi pulled off the naive fruit fairy to the heartbroken immortal very well. I first fell in love with her in Go Go Squid and that was the reason I watched Ashes of Love. Deng Lun is just so dreamy and every time I saw him I just swooned. My other favorite character was the fox immortal, he played his role as the cupid so well. I think all the cast in this drama did a good job, like even the evil giys.
Plot
I sort of did not completely like the plot but reading the story (that was translated by some very amazing fans) I begin to understand it. The ML falling in love with the FL was just too abrupt. I mean there were hints that he found her amusing and endearing but LOVE! But the FL did give some pretty confusing signals to the poor dude. I really didn't care for the Mu Ci/Demon princess love story. I mean I loved the demon princess and thought she was loyal and all that but I just wished since they were second leads and all they didn't have to have so much screen time.
The story doesn't follow the novel exactly but I really enjoyed both versions. Specially the time the FL and ML shared in the mortal world which isn't there in the book. Although the story started off well it sorta dwindled towards the end (I often see this trend in c-drama). What I mean is from the 40th some episode my attention was really scattered and the only reason I continued watching it was to catch some glimpses of my boy Deng Lun
CGI
I really enjoyed the CGI and it was very realistic. I am stunned at the visual world that was created which is really amazing and magical. Perfectly suited for a Xianxia drama.
Spoiler ** especially the part where when the FL is going to get married to the SML and the ML arrives in his literally shiny armor and then the lotus fire blossoms in his hands and a blue fire coats his body. So hot. Literally hot. I also liked the bit in the final battle where the ML and the SML are fighting and the FL flungs herself in between them, the anguish in Deng Lun's eyes, the magic. Wow! Spoiler end***
Costumes
Man I'm so in love with all the costumes specially Deng Lun's (ML). It was not flashy but royal in a subtle sense. Some of my most favorite costumes are
1. ML's white and gold battle armor
2. ML's heavenly palace garb that is white with billowy sleeves but with hints of gold underneath and red around the neckline and a similar one without billowy sleeves
3. ML's mortal king costumes
4. FL's immortal costume (soft pink/purple shades) with billowy sleeves
I could go on but i'll stop here
OST
The OST is haunting and beautiful and It will take forever to get it out of your head. Especially Sa Ding Ding ending OST. What's more both FL and ML also sang an OST together and this not only makes you fall in love with them more but makes their romance all the more bittersweet.
Overall
I really enjoyed the drama but as with all dramas where the ML and FL fall in love in the beginning the rest of the drama is about how they yearn to be together but don't and are not together until the very end. This doesn't they didn't share romantic moments towards the end. They did. But I really don't like dramas where the leads break up for a long time. I will definitely re watch this drama and I have to mention It took me countless days of listening to the OST on repeat, watching the behind the scenes on Youtube and reading the translated novel to get over this drama.
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Cast and Acting
The ML and FL had good chemistry and I looked forward to their moments together. This is a lighthearted, fluffy romance and there wasn't any annoying love triangles. Man do I hate love triangles. Yang Zi did a good job acting the naive girl who pursued her love. There wasn't any stupid misunderstandings between the two leads and even when they had a few troubles in between they resolved it quickly. I liked the fact we didn't have to wait till the very end to see them together.
Plot
The story is about the ML tragic past and his vision for the present while he falls in love. This wasn't a bad vs good story. The ending was a bit abrupt for my liking tho. The pacing was good throughout.
Custume
Only Yang Zi could have pulled off the somewhat weird clothes she wore in this drama. It just highlighted the fact she was an eccentric genius. I liked how the ML initially wore only black clothing and the FL wore bright cheerful clothing. I think this style portrayed their personalities. The two extremes
OST/Songs
I really loved the intro and the extro OST and everything in between. Both Yang Zi and the ML can sing IRL and so it was a pity that when they sang in the drama it was a soundtrack. Okay that sounds confusing but what I'm trying to say is when the leads had to sing in the drama it didn't sound natural and I hated that about the drama.
Overall this is a fluffy drama that I will definitely watch again.
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