Historic Modern Man
The summary kinda takes you away from the main idea of the drama which is simple, "what if", a modern day man with modern day thought process, values, and scientific mindset is reborn into history itself, still preserving his values and memories from his previous life. The best part probably about this drama is that looks were not given as much importance as the plot of this drama & the acting itself. If I say anything else I'd be ruining the drama so to briefly summarise, you really can't miss this one!Was this review helpful to you?
Unexpectedly great one!
I came here after looking for a drama with good ratings. This wasn't my first choice since I didn't even know anyone here except xiao zhan, which after I read some of the review he just appeared like a recurring character. I've started this sometimes ago but gave up after a couple of episodes since for me the pace was too slow. Although, knowing that it has long episodes, it might be necessary for the whole story context. And well, it is.I started again about a week ago and try not to finish it all at once or else I'll give up again. Good thing I finished it. They really did a great job at hiding the clues scattered from beginning until it cracked at the end. FX was a clever yet such a people person. I really like his character. I won't say that I like the FL. After several times, I skipped their scene together. There are still some mysteries that uncovered, but maybe they saved it for the upcoming seasons.
At the end of the day, I can understand why this drama has such a high rating. I will try to catch up for the second season, hopefully it won't disappoint.
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This isn't a typical story of a no one who rises through the ranks of the court and administration. Everything happens quickly and while it seems like Fan Xian's quick wit, pluckiness, and martial arts propel him, there is something and someone (or ones?) that are helping and even hindering the talented Fan.
I won't spoil it, but while I'm waiting (impatiently for Part 2), I will share some quick observations:
~the story moves faster than I thought it would
~Bad-ass females who are smart and strong :)
~every new "crisis"/ difficulty builds on another
~character development and backstory are well-developed.
~costumes are well-done; fx and stunts are seamless
~camaraderie between Xian and his clique is funny and endearing without being forced. The relationship he has with his brother is laugh out loud funny.
~the ending is a bit of a "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?"
~Zhang Ruo Yun is adorable.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is not the completed series. There are seasons following.
For those of you that don't know, this is not a completed series and the season ends on a cliffhanger. I thought it was important to mention because if you are like me and are used to Asian dramas not having multiple seasons, you will be in for a surprise. I was quite annoyed when I got to the ending only to find that the story was not completed. I like binge watching and cliffhangers are my pet peeve.Now that is out of the way, the story is quite interesting. You are always in for a surprise and the story is never dull. The main character is witty and a master thinker. I loved the supporting characters, particularly the brother who always cracked me up every time he appeared. I also loved the relationships between the main character and his family and friends. The story is exciting, the scenes have a lot of humour and the storylines are unpredictable.
The reason I gave the story an 8.5 but overall 9 rating is because I did not like how the story begins but the overall story was great. I think it is lazy for a writer to begin a story by making it known that it is a story and just jump from the present to the past. I almost dropped it. Luckily I continued watching because it was a unique story and I'm always one for dramas with stories that are not overdone (like the typical historical political palace dramas where the ladies fight for power with one ultimate "Legend of...").
I would definitely recommend this drama if you are willing to wait for more seasons to come.
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This review may contain spoilers
I didn't expect to like JOY so much more that I did. The plot is great, writing is good and acting is wonderful. Everything makes me laugh so much. I like how our MC has chemistry with everyone that he encountered, from his FL to the small side characters. The story is good that I keep wanting more, after the end of each episode. I like how witty, funny, and intelligent the MC is. This drama has humor, action, and a very good plot that is not a bore. I would watch it again and highly recommend to anyone if you're looking for something that is humorous, action, and a witty and intelligent MC. Was this review helpful to you?
Fantastic Intrigues and Plots Keeps this Story Going
Loved the ingenuity of this storyline - sci-fi historical drama, which I couldn't figure out how it would work. But the premise of going back into a different time knowing what you know now, is definitely worth exploring. I initially thought this was a typical romance story, but it definitely isn't! The storylines of almost all the characters all come into play and are intertwined with each other's - royals versus commoners, politics, care of lives of all people no matter the station, loyalty, revenge, and kung fu masters are just some of the themes throughout the series.What I loved about the series is that it didn't matter whether they were male or female - most characters were depicted as intelligent, curious, strong, loyal, and smart. Some of the comedic moments were a little cheesy, but overall helped to ease some of the seriousness of the storylines. Definitely a season 2 is warranted because it can't possibly end like that.
Definitely a strong cast of Zhang Ruo Yun, Chen Dao Ming, Wu Gang, and even Li Qin - I actually prefer her character here than Ma Zhai Xing from the Wolf. Great supporting cast too - I can see why Xin Zhi Lei was cast in The Wolf as well with her portrayal of Hai Tang Duoduo. Liu Duan Duan as the Second Prince, Li Xiao Ran as the Royal Princess, and Calvin Yu as Shen Zhong were fantastic in their roles. Xiao Zhan's role as Yan Bing Yun while small was definitely the opposite of his Wei Wuxian role in the Untamed. Much more like Lan Zhan's - definitely great to see the variety in his roles.
Overall, great storyline and different plots with the political intrigue. Would definitely recommend and thank goodness, a season 2 is happening!!!
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Probably the best historical Drama
Drama successfully made palace politics and action happening. In this drama, the members of the palace play important roles in scheming and the protagonists has to successfully weave through all of it while exploring the outside world. There are a lot of surprises hidden in the drama and made for good twists. I would highly recommend.Good Plot line to follow , fast pacing, every character does stuff, every dialogue serves a purpose, ML is very good at his role
FL Li Qin kind of plays a back role and there is not too much romance - Just enough like some sprinkles on a cake
Overall, my favorite drama
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This review may contain spoilers
Incredibly Fast Paced Court Politic Drama
This must have been one of the most interesting series out there, beautifully written and done!I dont really like court politics/conspiracy stories, because they tend to be boring and draggy. I am more of action-wuxia fan, but this one drama is somewhat different that managed to keep me glued to the screen. The plots are engaging and move fast with no boring, pointless dialogues. each of the characters are interestingly captivating, I mean in the novel Wang Qinian and Gao Da were actually serious characters and yet on screen they changed it to be humourous, which is really great! I love they made this series to be comedic! I didnt really like Haitang in the novel, but on screen, gosh, both of them Haitang and Fan Xian really hit it off like a true couple! I thought onscreen Haitang suits him more than Wan'er! Xin ZhiLei's Haitang was superbly done, I've loved her from Candle in the Tomb, and here she really didnt disappoint. Uncle Wuzhu is so damn cute and interesting and I think he's the most handsome actor in the cast, I love him!
in Ep 1, I was particularly disappointed at the male lead because his looks doesnt really match the novel's fan xian (he's supposed to be exceptionally handsome, and the prettiest even when compared to the rest of the female characters, Wan-er and Haitang actually felt insecure because he is prettier than them haha. in my head I was thinking of Wang Yi Bo or Deng Lun or the sorts, so was disappointed to see Zhang Ruoyun's 'normal nice' looks). However ZhangRuoYun makes up to it by his superb acting which truly matches the novel's Fan Xian character. His looks kind of grows into you, and his smile is particularly adorable. I think he's a perfect Fan Xian even if his looks isnt the prettiest/most handsome compared to other casts. Oh-oh I love the young Fan Xian actor too! That kid is truly amazing, I was cracking up at his antics!
I love how the screenwriters’ adjustment of the novel plots that didnt really jeopardize the flow of the story. I'm happy that some characters in the novel didnt show up like Fan Xian's maidservant/childhood bosom friend which he later slept with (and later married her as concubine) although he's already married to Wan-er, gosh i really hate him for that, thank god the on-screen Fan Xian already sworn to love Wan-er only in his lifetime. Honestly the novel Fan Xian's soft spot for the ladies is truly getting on my nerves, it's really great that the onscreen Fan Xian didnt adopt this bad habit. I just finished the drama a few hours ago and realized that the only one Fan Xian killed in the series is Cheng Jushu. Onscreen Fan Xian is definitely more humane with strong self righteousness, compared to the novel Fan Xian who is ruthless and shameless - The novel Fan Xian killed for the first time at 12, he was the one who tortured Si Lili in the dungeon, and he was also the one who broke Xiao En's legs to prevent him from escaping. The cdrama changed all these and made him look so pure and innocent, which I have no problem with, of course!
I’m currently reading the novel and has came up to the 598th chapter, and the adjustment of the ending of this season 1 is something that didnt really happen in the novel, which kept me on the edge and made me reaaaaaally curious of where it would lead to. I hope the diversion from original novel wouldnt be too huge, because Yan Bingyun is one of the most important confidants of Fan Xian’s. I just cant bear if the adaption decided to make them as enemies instead 😞 Am planning to rewatch JoL after I finish reading the novel.
Can't wait for the Season 2 in 2022! and I hope it has more episodes than this one, 46 is just too dang short, I cant get enough of FanXian-Haitang duo hah!
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This review may contain spoilers
Are you tired of an incompetent king? Are you tired of dumb antagonists? Are you into martial arts? Are you tired of predictable plots? Are you into characters that are well developed? Are you into romance? Are you interested into historical-ish dramas? Well, welcome to Joy of Life! All of the characters have a deep history and it is interesting connecting the dots. The king is very unpredictable, yet he makes very good decisions. He is ruthless. He is the mastermind. As for the main character, he is pretty smart. If you liked how the main character in Nirvana in Fire was smart, then you will definitely like Fan Xian. As for the story, there are many plots twists to keep the audience busy. Hope this was helpful. Was this review helpful to you?
Fan Xian is one of my favorite fictional characters in a drama. He is smart and funny. compassionate and calculating and so so interesting in that you never feel embarrassed in the embarrassing things that he does. This is like a crime drama and he is the detective of his own life.
the Emperor is great, the actor is even better. Chen Pingping is a sneaky old man, I have a feeling he holds all the cards.
I love the Fan family they fit together in that they are a diverse gang of personalities and brilliant in their own ways. And I think Fan Ruoruo is the best female character in this series. she has amazing chemistry with Fan Xian.
I like all the characters in the drama, they all serve a purpose.
the only part they didn't do so well is the chemistry between Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er, and I think many of you would agree with me.
and damn that second prince is really something.
and lately, this series has 2 more seasons which is all 2 years apart which is accessive and I think it'll a lot of fans because of it.
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This review may contain spoilers
I read lot of good review so gave it a tryI loved the FX character and acting by the actor is good but I felt he couldn’t handle the v emotional scene. Like hurt anger or tears
Chemistry between the main lead is horrible there is no chemistry but FX had good chemistry with other two female characters
I feel the scene in North Qunan are big Dragging and made me bore
I didn’t understood when they just went there to exchange POW why they never did and why FX have to literally kidnap him?
If FX was ambassador from different country and he gets close with the emperor how come still common men challenged them to fight with them and why was he not given protection
Acting of every one is good specially all seniors
FX all adoptive father and his real father the emperor
M fav character is uncle WU
I will ofcourse watch second season
Yes one more some scenes had bad lighting hope they take care of that in the second season
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