Chun gui meng li ren

Once again I started watching this not knowing that it was a marathon forty episodes which the plot was far too weak to support. Too many story threads and too many repeated situations. My main gripe was the ML - I felt he was completely unconvincing as a romantic hero - this feeling was born out by the final passionless kiss at the end. The lead couple had absolutely no chemistry and the lead actress relied on endless flouncing about instead of acting ability. It is a typical enemies to lovers story with a slice of political machinations and physical battles and of course - the inevitable lengthy separation thrown in. There seems to be a bumper book of romantic drama tropes that every writer keeps by their bedside so that no new thoughts can penetrate their minds.

Unless you suffer from insomnia - give this a miss.

I am actually infuriated each episode of this show, because it is so disappointing. The acting is GOOD, but the actors are all wasted on the worst script i have EVER seen in a C-drama/comedy/romance. The one redeeming value here is Ding Yu Xi. He is lovable as usual. The FL is naggy, selfish, and annoyng, and almost abusive toward here husband through endless disrespect. This series has everything disgusting about predictable and stupid mindless puppy love, self-absorption, immaturity, one-dimensional thugs, and evil, psychotic women. No-one grows, communicates, is fair, matures, or evolves on any level. Wasted time, money, and talent.

A refreshing period drama, with some really good actors, kept me engaged from beginning to end. I'd like to mention Ding Yu Xi first, I remember commenting his face to be expressionless in the drama 'Moonlight'. I take my comments back in this series, his acting was top notch, and he truly deserved to be the hero of the show. As for supporting actors Yi Da Qian and Ma Ke, I had seen their work before and liked them too, they didn't disappoint here as well, and did complete justice to their characters. Now I'd come to the female lead Peng Xiao Ran...well what can I say, she might not be the prettiest of actresses out there, but she has a spontaneity in her acting that captivates the audience, add to it a well written character, of a strong and independent heroine, and I cannot ask for more! Strong FL's are as it is my weakness, and I just love the shows where the ML and the FL are both competent and intelligent and complement each other. The chemistry between the leads was great, and I enjoyed seeing them together. All female supporting cast were amazing in their roles too, so a big shout out to the entire team, the producers, and screenwriters, for creating such a good show!