The Great Ruler (2020)

I read the manga version of The Great Ruler. I was expecting some similarity in the drama, but I was blown away by the changes in the story. I love the setting of the environment and setting. The romance between Mu Chen and Luo Li is really exciting. The story is slow at the beginning, but after they introduce all the character it is when the story was so thrilling that I watched all 48 episodes in 3 days. The romance between Mu Chen and Luo Li is not overpowering as we can see the development of the side characters. My love for the manga was the same for the drama.

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(from my review on viki)

The Great Ruler is part of the same universe and series as Battle Through the Heavens (Fights Break Sphere), Martial Universe (Wu Dong Qian Kun). BTTH and WDQK to my understanding are set on a lower plane, while The Great Ruler is set on a larger and higher plane in this universe.

Warning: Episodes are slow and build up background and context until we hit episode 21-22 that's when the plot begins to drive!

Warning 2: The show's writing lacks character depth. It makes the characters pretty static but don't blame the actors, blame the script.

Warning 3: Scenes are jumping all over the place! The director lacks in organization, so just skip the jumping around and stick to the main plot.

Having said all that, the show's actually pretty great once you get passed the 22 episode mark. The underlying plotline is good, keeps the adventure going, and yes, the characters finally begin to develop. So far, the main characters have no problem communicating, it keeps small misunderstandings from blowing up into unfortunate circumstances, which is something to cherish in dramas these days.

Majority of the female characters are actually stronger and more powerful than our male lead. Especially Luo Li and Jiu You, who help Mu Chen on his mission (the one we finally hit after episodes 21-22). This is a flipped dynamic that's incredibly refreshing! For once, the hero learns and grows with help from his peers instead of automatically becoming all one and powerful. Our female lead is incredibly stoic, especially at the beginning, but there's a reason for that so give her a chance and don't jump all over her for being a "bad" character. Being stoic and impassive IS her character.

These actors are young, as they should be at the beginning. Who knows what the director has planned for them when they grow up, but they're doing well and I'm actually impressed despite their young age. This drama isn't going to mind blow you but it's here for when you need to turn your brain off, respectfully. Give it a chance, and enjoy the spiritual energy and action scenes, the special effects and CGI aren't bad either. Happy viewing!

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