Zhi fou zhi fou ying shi lü fei hong shou

Anyone who hasn't watched past episode eighteen has no right to properly review this, in my honest opinion.

In order to really dive into this, you have to continue after episode eighteen-twenty and then decide. I know it's kind of a tall order for people who may not be invested initially to go for a full twenty episodes but it really is the kind of show you can't just watch five episodes and think you have it all figured out.

It's definitely a slow burn but well worth it. I've watched countless Korean and Chinese dramas and I can say that without a doubt this one is the most refreshing I've encountered. Seasoned actors that are very natural like, Feng Shaofeng, Liu Jun, Zhao Li Ying, Cao Cui Fen, Liu Lin and Gao Lu who shine in their roles. The lighting/cinematography is beautiful and relaxing and the family dynamics are so good. I wish blu-ray existed for this series. :(

There was such a dissonance between the story and the actors. Did the director and casting unit not read their own script before they congregated 40-year-old men to play the role of boys on the cusp of manhood? I could forgive most things but this one issue completely drew me out of the story. To compound that, wardrobe choices in the first half had the men in ill-fitting clothing and atrocious hair pieces. Again, that diluted the authenticity of the story.

The best part about this was watching the family dynamic, especially Minglan's relationship with her grandmother. So precious. Likewise, Ming's sizzling relationship with Gu Tingye in the second half. So hot. Yet, even these couldn't offset the evil that permeated the entire story. It was too much and it dragged on for far too long. Yes I know, the villain is very villainy but did we need to see her repeat the same playacting over the course of 40 or more episodes?

Did we need all that back and forth at the Gu mansions? Did we need to see the minutiae of their daily lives, especially the ubiquitous eating? Did the characters in the Sheng family have to speak obliquely when they all could have benefitted from some showdowns and home truths? Minglan's father was a waste of space and to think three women were actually fighting over him. Why would Tingye risk the lives of Minglan and his children just to save the Emperor? Have the heavens fallen?

Seventy-three episodes is a lot no matter how lovely or compelling the story and sadly this drama was unconvincing.

I wrote both an article and a much longer review for mydramalist.

I don't think this show is for people who want action or more epic-ness like Eternal Love. This is a historical love story with meticulous attention to detail, character development, and growth. All the characters are important. It is filmed beautifully.

A lot of viewers have compared it to nirvana in fire in terms of quality. Others to masterpiece BBC pieces like Jane Eyre. It is incredibly done. I say give it ten episodes, if you don't like it, then maybe it isn't for you, but if it isn't your type don't give it a bad review--I only give dramas that aren't my 'type' a bad review if they do a poor job executing whatever plot device/trope/type of story they are trying to deliver.

I absolutely loved this drama. I'm watching it for the second time after five years, and it only made me love it even more-especially now that I can enjoy all the small details during the rewatch,. I can't describe every reason why I'd rate it 1000/10,.. but aside from the rich historical elements, the soundtrack is incredibly beautiful and layered.

The series also delves deeply into the psychological development of each character, making every arc feel meaningful.. I truly can't put into words how perfect this work of art and performance is. One of the best historical dramas ever made. A Work of Art.

Another cdrama that I almost dropped but drew me in completely by the second half. I got deeply attached to the characters that are fleshed out well. Sheng Minglan (Zhao Liying) is a feisty, intelligent and sensible illegitimate concubine-born girl of a government official. Gu Tingye (Feng Shaofeng) is the fearless, roguish legitimate son of a Marquis. Qi Heng (Zhu Yilong) is the proper doted son of a Duke. All are lovable. Minglan has great chemistry with her main romantic interests. The villains are evil to the core, not realizing they're evil and shamelessly complaining they're the ones wronged, twisting things around. The schemes and intrigues, both political and personal, are well written and implemented. I felt like I was part of the scenes, witnessing innocent people being wronged, villains trying to weasel their way out of sticky situations and justice being served. A satisfying watch.